1960da

1960 DA is a near-Earth asteroid (NEA) that was discovered in 1960. It is one of the larger objects classified as NEA, with estimates placing its diameter around the kilometer scale. It is regarded as a potentially hazardous asteroid due to its size and an Earth-crossing orbit, which allows it to come relatively close to our planet on occasion.

Classified as an Apollo-type NEA, 1960 DA follows an Earth-crossing path with a highly elongated orbit around the Sun. Its trajectory can bring it into the inner solar system and into range of Earth, leading to periodic close approaches over long timescales. The exact orbital parameters are refined as new observations are obtained, but the object's general characteristics are that it is an elongated, Earth-crossing asteroid rather than a strictly interior or exterior body.

Physical characteristics for 1960 DA are subject to uncertainty. The asteroid is estimated to be roughly a kilometer in diameter, but precise sizing depends on its albedo, which is not well constrained. Its surface composition is likewise not definitively known, and determining its spectral type requires additional observations.

Discovery and naming: 1960 DA retains its designation from its initial discovery in 1960 and has not been given a formal name beyond its provisional designation.

Impact risk: Early analyses identified a non-zero probability of Earth impact in a distant future date, notably around the year 2880, though the likelihood is extremely small and highly sensitive to small changes in the orbit. Subsequent tracking and calculations have constrained the trajectory, reducing the estimated risk, and there is no known imminent threat in the near term. 1960 DA remains a monitored object, with continued observations aimed at refining its orbit and assessing long-term risk.

Monitoring and research: It is tracked by space-object surveillance systems and included in risk assessment databases, such as those maintained by NASA and JPL, to ensure any changes in its trajectory are promptly detected.