NASA Detects 4 Asteroids Flying By Earth Monday

NASA’s automated asteroid tracking system is monitoring four asteroids that are currently headed for Earth. According to the agency, most of the approaching asteroids follow Earth-crossing orbits.

The incoming asteroids are currently listed in the database of NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). As noted by CNEOS, the first asteroid that’s set to approach Earth on Monday (April 27) is known as 2020 HC5.

This asteroid measures about 85 feet wide and is currently moving across space at an average velocity of over 20,000 miles per hour.

2020 HC5 is expected to fly past the planet on April 27 at 3:59 a.m. EDT from about 0.02561 astronomical units or around 2.4 million miles away.

The next asteroid that will approach Earth on Monday is known as 2020 HP6. According to CNEOS, this space rock measures about 49 feet. It will zip past the planet at a speed of over 27,000 miles per hour.

Compared to the other incoming asteroids, 2020 HP6 will approach Earth from the closest distance. As noted by CNEOS, 2020 HP6 will fly past the planet on April 27 at 9:40 a.m. EDT from a distance of only 0.00084 astronomical units, which is equivalent to about 78,000 miles.

Trailing behind 2020 HP6 is an asteroid known as 2020 HS1. According to CNEOS, this asteroid has an estimated diameter of about 141 feet. It is currently traveling across the Solar System at a speed of about 4,500 miles per hour.

2020 HS1 will visit Earth’s vicinity on April 27 at 4:21 p.m. EDT. During this time, the asteroid will be about 0.04611 astronomical units or 4.3 million miles from the planet’s center.

The last asteroid that will approach Earth on Monday is called 2020 HT1. Measuring at about 131 feet wide, this asteroid is currently moving towards Earth’s direction at a speed of almost 22,000 miles per hour.

It is expected to approach Earth on April 27 at 10:39 p.m. EDT. During its approach, it will be about 0.02832 astronomical units, or roughly 2.6 million miles away.

According to NASA, 2020 HC5, 2020 HP6 and 2020 HT1 are Apollo asteroids, which means their natural orbits intersect Earth’s trajectory. 2020 HS1, on the other hand, is an Amor asteroid. Although Amor asteroids are not known to cross Earth’s path, they can approach the planet from close distances.