Close Encounters: 5 Asteroids That Hurtled Past Earth In 2023

Five asteroids approached Earth in December 2023 in what is not less than a constant cosmic ballet overhead.?These space travellers, diverse in size and makeup, traversed the vastness of space, passing our planet.

These near-Earth objects provided a brief spectacle while astronomers and space enthusiasts held their collective breath. They?made people think about our role in the cosmos and the importance of continuing efforts to track and comprehend these interstellar neighbours.?

Take a quick look at the five asteroids that zoomed past Earth in the final month of 2023.

Here Are 5 Asteroids That Zoomed Past Earth In December 2023

Earth found itself in the vicinity of five fascinating celestial visitors in December 2023—asteroid encounters that came dangerously close to our planet.?

1. Asteroid 2023 XH7

Credit: Wion

This cosmic visitor, asteroid 2023 XH7, left its imprint in December 2023 when it approached Earth at a speed of 71276 km/h.?

This space rock, which was only 34 feet away, captured the attention of both skywatchers and astronomers.?

It highlighted the continued curiosity and caution about near-Earth objects and advanced our knowledge of the cosmic dance in our starry neighbourhood.

2. Asteroid 2014 HK129

Credit: Wion

In December 2023, the celestial wanderer, asteroid 2014 HK129, travelled close to Earth. Almost?680 feet in diameter, this?asteroid?hurtled past Earth at a speed of?41,680 kilometres on December 20.

3. Bulgogi

Credit: Wion

Though not by much, this one is slightly smaller than the asteroid 2014 HK129.?On December 21, this one sped past Earth at a speed of 57,463 km/h.

4. Asteroid 2022 UD9

Credit: Wion

This one was between 393 to 885 feet long. It came as close as 1.7 million kilometres from Earth on December 22, 2023.

5. Asteroid 2022 YQ

Credit: Wion

Compared to all the other asteroids on this list, this one is a little bit smaller.?On December 19, the 26-foot asteroid passed Earth at a speed of 53,063 kilometres per hour.

What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments.

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