Asteroid near Earth: what is known about the flyby of 2004 MO3 and why NASA does not consider it dangerous
16 January 21:07
On Saturday, January 17, asteroid 2004 MO3 will fly past Earth. Despite the relatively short distance, NASA emphasizes that the object poses no threat to the planet.
This was reported by the US space agency NASA, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
What is known about the asteroid
According to NASA estimates, the length of asteroid 2004 MO3 is about 129 meters — roughly the size of a football field. At its closest approach, it will fly at a distance of nearly 6.5 million km from Earth.
On the scale of the solar system, this is considered a close flyby, but for Earth, this distance is safe.
When is an asteroid considered dangerous?
NASA explains that asteroids are classified as “potentially hazardous objects” if they meet two criteria:
- approach Earth at a distance of less than 7.5 million km;
- are larger than 150 meters.
Asteroid 2004 MO3 only meets one of these criteria — distance. Its size is below the established threshold, so experts do not see any additional risks.
How NASA monitors such objects
The US space agency constantly monitors near-Earth objects using telescopes and automated observation systems. Data on their trajectories is regularly updated, and the results are published in the public domain.
NASA emphasizes that most of these flybys are predictable and pose no threat to the Earth’s population.
What else will scientists learn about asteroids?
Asteroid research remains an important area of modern science. Earlier, a group of scientists from Japan and the US reported the discovery of six types of sugar in rock and dust samples from the asteroid Bennu. This discovery reinforced the hypothesis about the possible role of asteroids in the formation of the chemical basis of life on Earth.
According to scientists, the flyby of 2004 MO3 is another reminder of the active work of astronomers, rather than a cause for concern.
