NASA Tracking 2 Asteroids That Will Approach Earth Tomorrow

KEY POINTS

NASA detected 2 asteroids approaching Earth
One of the asteroids is traveling at a speed around 27,000 miles per hour
Both asteroids have natural orbits that intersect Earth's path

NASA’s automated tracking system is currently monitoring two asteroids that are expected to visit Earth’s neighborhood tomorrow. According to the agency, both asteroids follow Earth-crossing natural orbits.

The first asteroid that will fly past Earth tomorrow has been identified by NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) as 2020 DT2. As indicated in CNEOS’ database, this asteroid is currently flying towards Earth at a speed of almost 27,000 miles per hour. It has an estimated diameter of 59 feet.

The second asteroid that’s expected to approach the planet tomorrow is called 2012 DS30. According to CNEOS, this asteroid is about 125 feet wide. Although it’s significantly bigger than 2020 DT2, 2012 DS30 is traveling at a slower velocity. According to CNEOS, this asteroid will approach Earth at a speed of around 12,000 miles per hour.

Both approaching space rocks have been classified as Apollo asteroids. Based on NASA’s diagram regarding their trajectories, the two asteroids follow very wide orbits within the Solar System. They usually pass in between the orbits of Earth and Mars. From time to time, they intersect the path of Earth as it makes its way around the Sun.

According to CNEOS, 2020 DT2 is expected to cross Earth’s orbit on Feb. 25 at 9:28 a.m. EST. During this time, the asteroid will be about 0.01330 astronomical units or roughly 1.2 million miles away from the planet’s center.

The asteroid’s next near-Earth approach will happen on Feb. 7, 2021. For its approach next year, 2020 DT2 will fly past the planet at a much farther distance. According to NASA’s projections, the asteroid will approach Earth from a distance of 0.26535 astronomical units, which is equivalent to around 25 million miles away.

As for 2012 DS30, this asteroid will carry out its flyby on Earth on Feb. 25 at 10:06 p.m. EST. During its approach, the asteroid will be about 0.03137 astronomical units or roughly 2.9 million miles away.

2012 DS30 is not expected to return to Earth’s vicinity until Feb. 25, 2075. During this time, the asteroid will approach Earth from a distance of 0.03193 astronomical units or about 3 million miles.