- May 9, 2025
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In a stunning new discovery, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has captured detailed images of a massive asteroid initially labeled a potential threat to Earth. But before you start building a bunker, scientists have some reassuring news—this space rock won't be hitting us in 2032 or any time soon.
The asteroid, temporarily designated 2023 DW, measures roughly 160 feet in diameter—large enough to cause significant regional damage if it ever collided with Earth. The Webb Telescope's high-resolution infrared sensors provided unprecedented detail, allowing astronomers to refine its trajectory and confirm that Earth is safe from this particular visitor.
Unlike older telescopes, Webb’s infrared capabilities allow it to track asteroids with pinpoint precision, even those with dark surfaces that absorb sunlight. This means earlier warnings and fewer false alarms.
While 2023 DW isn't a danger, NASA continues to monitor over 30,000 near-Earth objects (NEOs). The good news? Advanced telescopes like Webb give us a better chance of spotting threats early—and maybe even deflecting them.
"We’re getting better at finding these objects, and that means more time to act if needed," said Dr. Amy Mainzer, a leading planetary defense expert.
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