NASA has confirmed that Asteroid 2024 KN1, measuring up to 88 feet in diameter, will safely pass Earth today, June 23, 2024. Despite its size, the asteroid will maintain a safe distance of 5.6 million kilometers. This news comes as other asteroids are also scheduled to make close approaches to Earth in the coming days.
NASA has announced that an asteroid, measuring up to 88 feet in diameter, will safely pass Earth on June 23rd, 2024. Classified as non-threatening, the asteroid will come within 5.6 million kilometers, roughly 14 times the distance to the moon. NASA continues to monitor potentially hazardous asteroids that could pose an impact risk to Earth.
NASA has announced a further delay in the return of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft from the International Space Station, citing the need for more time to assess technical issues encountered during the mission. The delay leaves uncertainty about the return date for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who are currently aboard the station. The Starliner program has faced several challenges, including thruster failures, helium leaks, and valve issues. The delay provides valuable time for NASA and Boeing to analyze the issues and ensure a safe return for the crew.
NASA has released a breathtaking image of the Serpens Nebula, captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing bright red clumpy streaks aligned in the same direction as jets of gas emanating from newborn stars. This unique feature distinguishes the image from previous observations. The image reveals a vibrant tapestry of orange, red, and blue gas and dust, with a central bright star and multiple other stars adorned with diffraction spikes. The Serpens Nebula, located 1,300 light-years from Earth, is a hotbed of star formation and harbors intriguing features like the ‘Bat Shadow’ and a binary protostar.
NASA, along with FEMA and the Department of State Office of Space Affairs, conducted a large-scale simulation to test their response to a potential asteroid impact. The exercise focused on an asteroid with a 72% chance of hitting Earth within 14 years. While no known asteroids currently pose a threat, the exercise highlighted the importance of being prepared for such a scenario. NASA emphasizes that early detection is key, as it allows for more time to develop and implement mitigation strategies.
A massive asteroid, 2024 LJ, will safely pass Earth on June 22, coming within 2.1 million miles. While not a threat, NASA is closely monitoring its trajectory and properties, providing a rare opportunity to study a near-Earth object.
NASA will live stream the undocking of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft from the International Space Station on Tuesday, June 25, followed by its landing the next day. The mission, which involved the first crewed test of the spacecraft, has been extended to investigate issues with thrusters and helium leaks.
NASA’s Perseverance rover has discovered an unusual, light-colored rock on Mars, unlike anything seen before on the Red Planet. This intriguing rock, dubbed ‘Atoko Point’, may offer valuable insights into Mars’ ancient history. Scientists speculate it could have been transported from elsewhere on Mars via an ancient river or formed underground by magma, later revealed through erosion. Perseverance’s continued exploration of Jezero Crater promises further exciting discoveries as it seeks evidence of past life.
NASA’s Boeing Starliner spacecraft, on its first crewed mission, is scheduled to depart from the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday, June 25. The mission was initially planned for a week-long stay but was extended to allow for engine tests after some reaction control thrusters experienced issues during docking. The Starliner will return to Earth, landing in New Mexico, marking the first time an American capsule has touched down on land with astronauts aboard.
The US and India are collaborating on a new space-based initiative to combat climate change and other global challenges. The partnership includes the launch of a jointly developed satellite, NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, and a new collaboration between the US Space Force and Indian startups. The announcement comes during National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s visit to New Delhi, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian officials.
