Massive asteroid to fly past earth at high speed; NASA issues warning

NASA has warned that a massive asteroid will pass closely by Earth at a speed of 28,946 kmph tomorrow. The asteroid, named 2011 MW1, is approximately 380 feet in size. According to NASA's CNEOS data, the asteroid will be just 2.4 million miles away at its closest approach to Earth on July 25.

The asteroid belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids. Considering its size and the momentum it is carrying, this asteroid’s potential for destruction is massive. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has labelled 2011 MW1 as a Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) due to its proximity, but it is not categorized as a 'Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA).' While its size is comparable to that of a skyscraper, NASA assures that the asteroid poses no threat to Earth. NASA also stated that it is closely monitoring the trajectory and motion of the asteroid.

Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They are remnants from the early days of our solar system, offering insights into its formation and evolution. Asteroids can be thought of as "minor planets" or "space rocks," and they come in various shapes, sizes, and compositions. According to JPL's Solar System Dynamics website, 1,385,217 asteroids have been discovered till July this year.