NASA Asteroid Tracker: 2 Massive NEOs Headed For Earth This Weekend

NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has detected two massive asteroids that are currently heading for Earth. According to the space agency, the two potentially hazardous objects will approach the planet this weekend.

The first asteroid that will skim Earth is called 2019 LR4. This space rock was first detected on May 27. Unlike the other asteroids that are currently being monitored by NASA, 2019 LR4’s visits to Earth’s vicinity are irregular.

The last time the asteroid flew past Earth was on May 25, 2012. During its visit, it flew about 0.39041 astronomical units or around 36 million miles from the planet’s center.

Its upcoming visit, on the other, will be much closer compared to its approach in 2012. According to CNEOS, 2019 LR4 is expected to fly by Earth on June 29 at approximately 5:52 am ST. During this time, the asteroid will be at a distance of 0.02885 astronomical units or roughly 2.7 million miles from Earth.

Data collected on the asteroid shows that it is traveling at a speed of 18,500 miles per hour and has an estimated diameter of 177 feet. The next time the asteroid will approach Earth will be on Aug. 20, 2026.

The second asteroid that will zip past Earth this weekend is called 2019 LV1. First observed on May 30, this asteroid has frequently visited Earth and Mars. The last time this asteroid skimmed Earth was on Nov. 18, 2011.

During its previous approach, the asteroid flew at a relatively safe distance from Earth at about 0.45459 astronomical units or 42 million miles away.

Like 2019 LR4, 2019 LV1 will also approach Earth on June 29 but at a much later time. According to CNEOS, the near-Earth object will be closest to the planet at around 10:30 pm ST.

Once it approaches Earth, it will only be about 0.01337 astronomical units or roughly 1.2 million miles away from its center. CNEOS noted that the asteroid is currently traveling at a speed of almost 14,000 miles per hour and has a diameter of about 161 feet.

CNEOS predicted that 2019 LV1 will return to Earth’s neighborhood on May 6, 2027.