NASA: 720-Foot Asteroid Approaching Earth Quickly. Times of India


September 03, 2024 Tags:

NASA has issued a warning about a massive asteroid named 2024 ON, which is speeding toward Earth. This asteroid, about 720 feet wide, has captured the interest of scientists and space enthusiasts because of its size and the potential implications of its close approach to our planet.
2024 ON was first spotted by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Program. This program focuses on identifying and tracking objects that come near Earth. Since its discovery, the asteroid’s path has been closely monitored. It is expected to come closest to Earth on September 15, 2024, at a distance of around 620,000 miles. This is roughly 2.6 times the distance from Earth to the Moon.

The asteroid’s size and speed make it particularly noteworthy. At 720 feet, 2024 ON is larger than many asteroids that come near Earth. To put it in perspective, it’s about the height of a 60-story building. The asteroid is travelling at an estimated speed of 25,000 miles per hour. Even a small change in its trajectory could have significant consequences, which is why its movement is being watched so closely.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, is leading the efforts to track and study the asteroid. Using advanced radar and optical telescopes, scientists at JPL have gathered detailed information about 2024 ON’s size, shape, and composition. This data is essential for understanding the asteroid’s potential impact and for developing strategies to address any possible threats.

Although the chance of a collision with Earth is currently considered low, the close approach of 2024 ON underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness. NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) is crucial in this effort, working to identify and monitor near-Earth objects and to develop plans to deflect or manage any potential impacts.

The asteroid’s discovery has also generated interest from the broader scientific community. Researchers from organizations like the European Space Agency (ESA) and various universities around the world are collaborating with NASA to study 2024 ON. Their research includes analyzing the asteroid’s composition to better understand its materials and gain insights into the early solar system.

Public interest in 2024 ON is high. NASA is sharing updates and information through its website and social media. People in the Northern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid’s approach through a live feed provided by the Virtual Telescope Project.

The upcoming close approach of 2024 ON highlights the importance of global cooperation in space exploration and planetary defence. Countries worldwide are increasingly recognizing the need to work together to address potential threats from near-Earth objects. Collaborative missions like the Asteroid Impact & Deflection Assessment (AIDA), involving NASA and ESA, are crucial for developing effective strategies to protect our planet.

As the date of 2024 ON’s closest approach nears, scientists will continue to monitor its trajectory and collect data. This ongoing research not only helps ensure our safety but also enhances our understanding of the universe and the processes that shape it. Studying asteroids like 2024 ON offers valuable insights into the history of our solar system and the forces that have shaped it over billions of years.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Gladiator’s Skeleton In York Shows Evidence Of Lion Combat

A fascinating discovery in York, England, has given researchers new insights into ancient Roman combat. Archaeologists have found a skeleton....

White House Reports Success At Canada-U.S. Border Amid Tariffs

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted the successes at the Canada-U.S. border during a briefing on Tuesday. She mentioned....

Record 7.3 Million Canadians Cast Votes In Advance Polls: Elections Canada

A new record was set in Canada as 7.3 million people cast their votes during the advance polls, according to....

Scientists discover rare signs of Earth's layers peeling beneath Sierra Nevada

Seismologist Deborah Kilb made an exciting discovery while analyzing earthquake data from California. While reviewing the past four decades of....

Harvard Sues Trump Administration Over $2.2 Billion Funding Freeze

Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday, aiming to stop a freeze on over $2.2 billion....

Canada’s Election Focus Shifts From Climate To Energy Plans

As Canada gets ready to vote on April 28, concerns about climate change have taken a back seat. This time,....

Canada’s Election Heats Up As Liberals Hold Narrow Lead

Canada’s federal election is entering its final week, and the race is now neck and neck. A new poll shows....

Trump May Cut Another $1 billion From Harvard Over Policy Dispute

The Trump administration plans to remove another $1 billion in federal funding from Harvard University. This decision comes as tensions....

Oldest American Astronaut Don Pettit Returns To Earth On 70th Birthday

Don Pettit, America’s oldest active astronaut, landed safely back on Earth on his 70th birthday. He traveled in a space....

Advance Voting Grows As Poilievre Slams Carney For Inflation

Canadians kept showing up at advance polls on Sunday, making the most of early voting. While people lined up to....

Record Turnout Across Canada At Advance Polls As Voters Flock To Cast Ballots Early

Advance voting in Canada’s 2025 federal election has reached historic levels. On Good Friday alone, over 2 million people cast....

Trump Says Tariffs Boost U.S. Wealth, Promises Trade Talks

President Donald Trump made it clear this week that he isn’t stepping away from his global tariff strategy. Despite growing....