Space agencies including NASA and ISRO have issued alerts today as asteroid 2022 YS5, approximately 100 feet in diameter, flys past Earth at a remarkable speed of over 22,500 km/h. Despite some media buzz, experts confirm the asteroid is not on a collision course with our planet.
Classified as “building sized,” this rock will pass approximately 4.15 million km (~2.58 million miles) from Earth close in astronomical terms, but still over 10 times the distance between Earth and the Moon.
Why does this matter? Every close approach offers a critical chance to test and refine our planetary defense systems. NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) is tracking this event closely, and India’s ISRO is using it to prepare for future missions like the highly anticipated flyby of asteroid Apophis in 2029.
Radar systems, including NASA’s renowned Goldstone Solar System Radar, are being deployed to capture detailed images. Previous radar flybys like that of asteroid 2008 OS7 earlier this year helped scientists understand object size, spin, and composition.
Despite its size, 2022 YS5 doesn’t meet the thresholds for “potentially hazardous” just under the diameter and distance criteria. Still, it's an invaluable reminder: even smaller asteroids can cause significant damage if they enter the atmosphere. It’s why global coordination and early detection remain essential.
Here's what you can do if you're curious:
- Watch live streams from NASA’s “Asteroid Watch” page or partner observatories (eyes.nasa.gov).
- Follow updates from CNEOS for close-approach data and imagery.
- Mark your calendar for the next close pass Apophis’s 2029 flyby is expected to be even more dramatic.
Asteroid 2022 YS5 is a compelling mix of reassurance and caution. Safe for now yes but it underscores the importance of vigilance. As NASA Administrator said: “This flyby is harmless, but Earth’s defense systems must stay sharp.”
Stay tuned to NewzBanger for live updates, radar visuals, and analysis straight from NASA as the space rock zooms past tonight.