Asteroid 2004 FH: Close Flyby and Potential Impact Creates Concern

In summary, a 100-foot-diameter asteroid named 2004 FH passed harmlessly by Earth at a distance of 26,500 miles above the southern Atlantic Ocean. Astronomers continued to observe the asteroid, which was expected to be beyond the moon's orbit by the following day. It was noted that if this asteroid were to impact the Earth, it would produce a one-half Megaton explosion. This event seems to be part of a trend of more frequent close shaves with asteroids, but it is likely due to increased media coverage and improved technology for detecting these objects.
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Orion1
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PASADENA, Calif. -- A 100-foot-diameter asteroid passed close but harmlessly by Earth on Thursday, astronomers said.

The hurtling rock passed about 26,500 miles above the southern Atlantic Ocean at 3:08 p.m. MST.

Astronomers were continuing to observe the asteroid, 2004 FH, which was expected to be beyond the moon's orbit by early today.


A 100-foot-diameter asteroid impacting the Terran atmosphere would produce a one-half Megaton explosion.

Reference:
http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Mar/03192004/nation_w/149241.asp
 
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This is a cool simulation of the asteroid's orbit.

http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/db_shm?des=2004+FH

It seems to me that close shaves with asteroids are getting more common. I hear about one every two months or so.
 
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  • #3
Already another thread on this

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16079
recon wrote: It seems to me that close shaves with asteroids are getting more common. I hear about one every two months or so.
The http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/iau/NEO/TheNEOPage.html has a regularly (like every day, maybe even every hour) updated page on NEOs - Near Earth Objects.

"Close shaves" certainly *seem* to be getting more common! However, it's almost surely because a) the press is more readily picking the stories up, and b) we're getting much, much better at finding them. :smile:
 

What is Asteroid 2004 FH?

Asteroid 2004 FH is a small asteroid that was discovered in March 2004 by the NASA-funded LINEAR survey. It measures approximately 30 meters in diameter and is classified as a Near-Earth Object (NEO) due to its close proximity to the Earth's orbit.

How close will Asteroid 2004 FH fly by the Earth?

Asteroid 2004 FH will make its closest approach to Earth on March 18, 2021, at a distance of approximately 42,000 kilometers (26,000 miles). This is considered a very close flyby in astronomical terms, but poses no threat to our planet.

Is there a chance that Asteroid 2004 FH will impact Earth?

No, there is no chance that Asteroid 2004 FH will impact Earth. Scientists have been able to accurately track its trajectory and have determined that it will safely pass by our planet without causing any harm.

Why is there concern about Asteroid 2004 FH's close flyby?

While there is no risk of impact, the close flyby of Asteroid 2004 FH does raise concerns about the potential impact of larger asteroids in the future. It serves as a reminder for the need to continue monitoring and studying NEOs in order to better understand their behavior and potential threats to our planet.

What measures are being taken to prepare for potential asteroid impacts?

NASA and other space agencies around the world have established programs and initiatives to detect, track and study NEOs. Additionally, research is being conducted on potential mitigation strategies, such as deflecting or destroying an asteroid before it reaches Earth. There are also emergency response plans in place in case of a potential impact, including evacuation procedures and disaster management protocols.

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