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ASTEROID NEWS

A massive asteroid looms near Earth in this illustration, underscoring how a small, well-timed nudge could prevent a global catastrophe.

If an asteroid heads for Earth, can we stop it?

March 01, 2026 10:25 am

The next asteroid won’t come with a warning siren. What happens after it’s discovered could determine everything.

An artistic visualization of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft descending towards asteroid Bennu to collect a sample. (NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona)

Asteroid Bennu: NASA detects life-linked sugars, mysterious ‘space gum’ and ancient stardust

December 05, 2025 9:19 am

NASA’s Bennu samples have revealed life-linked sugars, a mysterious gum-like substance and even grains of ancient stardust.

Before attempting to capture valuable asteroids, the technology will first be tested on space debris to minimise risk. (Image: TransAstra)

What are Capture Bags, the new technology to detect and capture asteroids?

November 16, 2025 8:40 am

To capture asteroids, TransAstra utilises a specially designed Capture Bag, made from aerospace materials like Kevlar and aluminium.

After making its closest approach to Earth on December 19, when it came within about 168 million miles, or 270 million km, 3I/ATLAS began its long departure towards the outer solar system.(Image: NASA)

NASA's Europa clipper could soon cross the tail of a comet. Why scientists are watching closely

October 23, 2025 9:10 pm

While no spacecraft is near enough to fly through 3I/ATLAS’s dust tail, Europa Clipper may find itself in the path of the comet’s ion tail, a possibility made clear by the pair’s computer model, Tailcatcher.

Aeroplane-sized asteroids approaching earth fast. Check details from NASA

October 09, 2025 8:51 am

An 87-foot asteroid 2025-TN2, the largest of four, will safely pass Earth today at 1.34 million km. There is no threat from it, said NASA.

The asteroid 2024 YR4 has less than one per cent of colliding with Earth.

NASA considers nuking asteroid 2024 YR4 to save the Moon from impact

September 30, 2025 9:45 am

Researchers say we can use two 100-kiloton nuclear bombs to destroy the asteroid 2024 YR4 from hitting the Moon.

Its goal is to orbit and land on the tiny asteroid to learn more about its composition and structure. The mission previously rendezvoused with the 900-metre (2,953-foot) wide asteroid Ryugu in 2020 and returned samples to Earth. (Image for representation: Freepik)

Asteroid KY26 smaller and faster than believed, posing new challenge for Japan’s Hayabusa2 mission

September 20, 2025 9:33 am

The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency's Hayabusa2 mission is currently on an extended journey that will take it to KY26 in 2031.

The flyby of the massive space rock can be seen using a telescope or a livestream. (AI Image for representation: DALLE)

Once feared to hit in 2089, skyscrapper-sized asteroid will pass by Earth: How to watch live

September 19, 2025 12:42 pm

The asteroid named 2025 FA22 was once categorised as potentially hazardous and is said to fly by Earth on September 12.

Asteroids are relics of the early solar system, and potential doomsday threats to our home planet. (AI-generated image/DALLE)

Tracking 'doomsday rocks': How scientists keep guard against surprise strikes

August 01, 2025 4:22 pm

From the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs to one that nearly hit Moscow, space rocks have shaped our history. Could we stop the next one?

A possible asteroid collision with the Moon could disrupt our satellites for years. (Image: FreePik)

Asteroid 2024 YR4 may hit Moon in 2032, debris could pose risk to Earth’s satellites

June 20, 2025 1:42 pm

A potential lunar collision with asteroid 2024 YR4 could eject high-speed debris toward Earth, endangering our satellite networks.

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