72-foot asteroid hurtling towards Earth rendezvous on new year at 21744 kmph, says NASA

On the occasion of new year 2023, a massive 72-foot asteroid is hurtling towards a rendezvous with Earth. NASA reveals its speed, distance to Earth and more.

A huge 72-foot asteroid 2022 YR1 will be nearing Earth on January 1. (Pixabay)

Space is full of objects like asteroids, comets, meteors, among others that may sometimes come near Earth while travelling in their orbits. These near-Earth objects also get attracted towards the planet because of its gravitational pull. On January 1, 2023, when the entire world will be busy celebrating and welcoming in the New Year, NASA has raised an alert about a huge 72-foot asteroid that is hurtling towards Earth at a mind numbing speed. 

72-foot Asteroid 2022 YR1 

The 72-foot asteroid named 2022 YR1 will be making its closest Earth approach on January 1, 2023, at a distance of 6250000 kilometers, according to the information provided by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The airplane-sized asteroid is also moving at a speed of 21744 kilometer per hour (6.04km/sec). Is the asteroid dangerous for the planet? Well no, the asteroid is not posing any threat to planet Earth and will simply pass by it, even though the distance between the space rock and Earth is extremely small.

In order to track the movement of the asteroids, NASA has deployed several Earth and Sky-based technologies like telescopes, satellites, and more in space. It is very important to keep an eye on the movement of massive asteroids. If an enormous asteroid strikes or crashes on Earth, it could be very destructive for a huge part of the region it impacts and its effects can even be felt worldwide.

Apart from the 2022 YR1, one other asteroid of 42-foot named 2022 YS6 will also be nearing Earth at a closest distance of 1790000 kilometers. The asteroid will be zooming towards the planet at a speed of 34956 kilometers per hour. Notably, asteroid 2022 YS6 will also pass by the planet without posing any threat.