NASA has issued an alert regarding asteroid 2020 VX1, a large near-Earth object that is set to make a close pass by our planet on November 3, 2024. Measuring approximately 290 feet in diameter — about the height of a skyscraper — this asteroid will approach at a distance of roughly 7.4 million kilometers from Earth’s surface. Although this distance may seem vast, NASA monitors such objects due to the potential risks associated with even minor changes in their orbits. At its closest, 2020 VX1 will approach Earth at around 12:44 am IST.
Asteroid 2020 VX1: Size and Speed
Asteroid 2020 VX1 is moving at an impressive speed of 28,258 km/h. Classified as a near-Earth object (NEO), it belongs to the Apollo group, known for its Earth-crossing orbital paths. Asteroids in this group often have perihelion distances (closest approach to the Sun) of less than 1.017 astronomical units (AU), putting them in close proximity to Earth’s orbit. Despite its significant size and speed, 2020 VX1 does not meet the criteria to be considered a “potentially hazardous asteroid” (PHA).
NASA’s Classification of “Potentially Hazardous Asteroids”
NASA classifies an asteroid as “potentially hazardous” if it measures over 150 meters (492 feet) in diameter and approaches within 7.5 million kilometers (4.6 million miles) of Earth. Although asteroid 2020 VX1 is sizable, it falls short of the diameter needed to qualify as a substantial risk, and its distance from Earth slightly exceeds the threshold.
Despite not being labeled hazardous, objects like 2020 VX1 are closely monitored. The concern arises from the possibility of unpredictable trajectory changes, which could potentially bring an asteroid closer to Earth on future passes.
Monitoring and Deflection Efforts
NASA’s ongoing monitoring of near-Earth objects is a precautionary measure to identify any potential threats early. In the past, space agencies have conducted missions to assess methods of altering asteroid orbits. A recent example is NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission in 2022. This mission successfully altered the orbit of Dimorphos, a small asteroid, by intentionally impacting it. The success of this mission demonstrated that redirecting an asteroid’s trajectory is feasible, an achievement that could prove critical if an asteroid on a collision course with Earth is detected in the future.
Conclusion: A Reminder of the Need for Vigilance
While asteroid 2020 VX1 poses no immediate threat to Earth, NASA’s alert serves as a reminder of the need to stay vigilant. Near-Earth objects like 2020 VX1, though often far from an imminent risk, highlight the importance of ongoing observation and research into deflection techniques. As technology advances, so too does our ability to detect, monitor, and potentially prevent any impacts from asteroids on a collision course with Earth.