The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recently issued a warning about a massive asteroid speeding towards Earth at an alarming rate.
The giant asteroid, 2024 ON, has a diameter of 720 feet (roughly bigger than the size of two cricket pitches) and is expected to pass close to Earth on September 15, 2024.
Asteroid 2024 ON was first detected by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Program, which is dedicated to identifying and tracking objects that come within close proximity to our planet. The asteroid has been under close surveillance since its discovery due to its considerable size and speed.
It will pass at a distance of about 6,20,000 miles, which is approximately 2.6 times the distance between Earth and the Moon.
At 720 feet, 2024 ON is larger than many of the asteroids that typically pass near Earth. For comparison, it is roughly the height of a 60-story building.
Its speed, estimated at around 25,000 miles per hour, adds to the concern, and even a slight deviation in its path could have significant consequences.
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, has helped track and analyse the movements of the asteroid.
JPL scientists using powerful radar and optical telescopes have collected extensive information about the 2024 ON’s size, shape, and composition.
This information is crucial for understanding the potential impact of the asteroid and for developing strategies to mitigate any potential threat.
While the likelihood of a collision with Earth is currently deemed low, the close approach of 2024 ON emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness.
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NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) plays a key role in this effort, working to identify and track near-Earth objects and to develop strategies for deflecting or mitigating potential impacts.
This asteroid has captured the attention of both astronomers and space enthusiasts due to its significant size and the potential implications of its close approach.
