A large near-Earth asteroid 2000 YV137, estimated to be about 730–750 meters in diameter, is approaching Earth. The closest approach of the space body to our planet will occur on August 9, but there is no threat of collision. This was reported by UNN citing data from NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Details
According to experts' calculations, the asteroid's closest approach to Earth will take place on August 9 at approximately 08:12 Kyiv time. At that moment, it will be at a distance of about 5.02 million kilometers from the planet.
This is approximately 13 times greater than the average distance between Earth and the Moon. The asteroid's speed relative to Earth will be about 16.2 km per second, or over 58,000 km per hour.
According to current NASA/JPL calculations, there is no risk of the asteroid colliding with Earth on August 9. Its trajectory is well-studied, and the distance during the approach will remain safe.
However, experts classify the asteroid as potentially hazardous. This status is given to all large space objects whose orbits pass relatively close to Earth.
What is known about the asteroid
The asteroid was discovered on December 31, 2000, as part of the NEAT observation program at the Haleakala Observatory in Hawaii. It completes one orbit around the Sun in approximately 636 days.
NASA notes that 2000 YV137 belongs to the Apollo group of near-Earth asteroids. Such objects move along orbits that can cross Earth's orbit.
The previous notable approach of 2000 YV137 to Earth occurred in August 2019, when it flew at a distance of over 24 million kilometers.
Future approaches are predicted in 2066, 2073, and 2113, but according to current calculations, they will also pose no threat to the planet.
By the way, it will be impossible to see the asteroid with the naked eye. A telescope, precise coordinates, and favorable weather conditions will be needed to observe it.
Recall
In March 2026, it became known that NASA had for the first time changed an asteroid's orbit around the Sun.