NASA Asteroid Alert
Asteroids have always fascinated scientists and space enthusiasts alike. While most of them pass by Earth harmlessly, their size and speed make them worth tracking. NASA has detected an asteroid, 2025 CL3, which is roughly the size of an aeroplane, set to make a close approach to our planet this week. Here’s everything you need to know about this asteroid.
NASA has identified Asteroid 2025 CL3, a near-Earth object measuring about 96 feet in diameter. It is moving at a speed of 44,900 km/h and will make its closest approach to Earth on February 13, 2025, at 7:05 PM IST. Fortunately, despite its proximity in astronomical terms, the asteroid will remain at a safe distance of 3,560,000 kilometres from our planet.
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Even though 2025 CL3 is travelling at a high velocity, it is not classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA). According to NASA, an asteroid must be at least 150 meters in size and come within 7.4 million kilometres of Earth to be considered a potential threat.
NASA and other space agencies actively monitor near-Earth objects to assess any potential risks. Observatories use advanced tracking tools like JPL’s Goldstone Solar System Radar to study asteroid movements, while upcoming missions like the NEO Surveyor aim to improve detection capabilities further.
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Although Asteroid 2025 CL3 poses no threat to Earth, its flyby serves as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of our universe. Events like these help scientists gather valuable data about space rocks and their behaviour.
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