Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jun 17
Asteroid 2003 LN6 to Pass Earth at 1.4 Million Kilometers on June 18
Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jun 17

Asteroid 2003 LN6 to Pass Earth at 1.4 Million Kilometers on June 18

3 articles · Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jun 17

Summary

  • NASA says asteroid 2003 LN6 will make a safe Earth flyby on June 18, passing at a little over 1.4 million kilometers.
  • 67 meters wide at most, the object is classified as relatively close for an asteroid but remains far beyond any danger zone.
  • 387,000 kilometers away, the Moon is still much closer than 2003 LN6, underscoring why the pass poses no threat.
  • NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies tracks such objects as part of broader planetary-defense efforts, including tested deflection methods like the DART mission.

Insights

We've only found 44% of the large, hazardous asteroids. What is our actual plan for the one we don't see coming?
We can push a 'rubble pile' asteroid. But how would we deflect a potential threat made of solid iron?