A massive asteroid, 2023 KU, will pass earth on Friday around 9.05 pm, said NASA, adding the 370 feet long asteroid travels through space at 64,827 kilometres per hour as it belongs to the Apollo asteroid group.
The Threat
Experts warn about possible threats even though this asteroid is estimated to pass Earth one million kilometers away because any minor alterations in its trajectory from gravitational interactions or cosmic forces could result in danger. The Apollo group asteroids have proven themselves as historical record holders of closest-known asteroid encounters so scientists need to monitor Apollo asteroids routinely.
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Why One Million Kilometers Distance Matters
Science experts maintain cautiousness even though one million kilometers appears as a huge distance surpassing the Earth-Moon separation. The potential dangers of these asteroid sizes increase when slight gravitational forces modify their trajectory or prediction mistakes occur during projected flybys. According to NASA tracking errors as well as space body interactions cause extended trajectory changes that result in asteroids drawing closer to the planet over time.
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What If It Hits Earth?
The forthcoming impact of 2023 KU would lead to disastrous effects for Earth. Solar scientists predict that such a massive impact would generate explosive power several times stronger than nuclear bombs breaking cities and destroying extensive damage across territories.