House-sized asteroid set to pass by Earth, says NASA

Every asteroid in the universe follows an orbit, and NASA recently identified one with a trajectory that intersects Earth's path. Using an advanced ground-based space telescope, NASA has tracked this asteroid, known as Asteroid 2023 VT3, and determined its precise location. These asteroids, when they come close to Earth, are termed "close approach" asteroids.According to a study conducted by Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), Asteroid 2023 VT3 will make a "close approach" to Earth on November 10 this year. Despite the vastness of space, distances as long as 4.2 million kilometres are considered minimal in astronomical terms. This near-Earth asteroid will pass Earth at a distance as close as 4.2 million kilometres, hurtling towards us at a speed of 27,031 kilometres per hour—faster than an intercontinental ballistic missile.NASA explains that such celestial bodies come into proximity to Earth due to gravity shifts, occasionally approaching other planets like Mars. These encounters with significant gravitational forces can result in a "slingshot" effect, propelling asteroids in various directions across the orbits of other planets.Some asteroids possess a semi-major axis smaller than Earth's, causing them to intersect our planet's path at high speeds. NASA categorizes this group of asteroids as belonging to the Aten group, known as Earth-crossing "Near Earth Asteroids."Asteroid 2023 VT3, measuring 60 feet wide, is approximately the size of a house. It's worth noting that while this asteroid is sizable, it is not as large as the 2013 Chelyabinsk asteroid, which caused damage in Russia. However, its size is not anticipated to result in any significant impact on Earth.Space agencies and research organizations globally are actively working to identify and monitor potentially hazardous objects (PHOs) to prevent any potential impact on Earth. NASA's DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission is one such initiative, aiming to redirect an asteroid using guided missiles in space.