Asteroids have always been a matter of concern for humans. The past theories of the massive asteroid strike which killed the dinosaurs on Earth are a major concern. But that was a rare case in the history. Asteroids have always been celestial visitors to Earth. In January 2024, a small 3-foot (1-meter) asteroid broke apart over Germany, causing no harm. NASA reported that the impact created a bright fireball visible from the Czech Republic, potentially scattering meteorites near Berlin.

Now, there is a large 150-foot asteroid which is all set to have a close call with Earth today. NASA has designated this space rock as Asteroid 2024 FR5. Know all about it from NASA.

Asteroid 2024 FR5: Speed, Distance Size, More

Asteroid 2024 FR5 boasts a considerable size, measuring up to 150 feet across, surpassing many of its cosmic counterparts. To put it into perspective, it's akin to the size of a commercial airplane! Its swift traverse through space is equally noteworthy, hurtling towards Earth at a remarkable speed of 18,683 km/h, as per data from NASA’s CNEOS.

The impending close approach of this asteroid has garnered significant attention. On May 5th, Asteroid 2024 FR5 is slated to make its nearest pass. According to calculations by NASA's JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), it will come within 1.17 million miles of our planet. Though this distance may seem vast, the potential ramifications of any deviation from its projected path are concerning, as even a slight alteration could pose a threat to Earth.

Nevertheless, there's no immediate cause for panic. NASA has vigilantly monitored the asteroid's trajectory and assures that it will maintain a safe distance during its flyby.

Observatories are the primary source of vast amounts of asteroid-tracking data, with prominent players such as Pan-STARRS, the Catalina Sky Survey, NASA's NEOWISE mission, and the forthcoming NEO Surveyor leading the charge. These observatories are complemented by planetary radar efforts, such as JPL's Goldstone Solar System Radar Group, which holds a crucial position in NASA's NEO Observations Program.