NASA has issued a warning about a 120-foot earthquake asteroidAsteroid 2024 ON2 will pass by Earth tomorrow. This commercial airliner-sized asteroid is expected to come closest at 6.7 million kilometers from our planet. While this may sound alarming, experts assure that there is no imminent threat to Earth as the asteroid will remain at a safe distance.
Asteroid 2024 ON2: What we know
Asteroid 2024 ON2 belongs to a class of asteroids known as near-Earth objects (NEOs). These are celestial bodies whose orbits bring them close to Earth. NASA and other space agencies regularly monitor these objects to ensure they do not pose any danger to our planet. 2024 ON2, about the size of a small airplane, stands out for its relatively close approach, but it is far from posing a real risk.
Distance and speed
The asteroid will come within a distance of approximately 6.73 million kilometers of Earth. To put that into perspective, this distance is about 17 times the distance between the Earth and the Moon. While this may seem far away, in astronomical terms it is considered a close encounter. NASA tracks and catalogues these objects to study their trajectories and predict future movements, ensuring that any potential threats are identified well in advance.
2024 ON2 is traveling through space at a speed of about 33,000 miles per hour. This high speed is typical of objects in our solar system, especially those orbiting close to Earth. The speed and trajectory of 2024 ON2 have been precisely calculated, allowing scientists to predict its path with confidence.
There is no reason to be alarmed
Despite its proximity, NASA has confirmed that 2024 ON2 poses no threat to Earth. The space agency has a robust monitoring system that keeps track of thousands of NEOs, and any object that has the potential to come within 4.6 million miles of Earth is classified as “potentially hazardous.” However, 2024 ON2’s current trajectory does not suggest any risk of collision.
The importance of monitoring NEOs
The close pass of 2024 ON2 serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring near-Earth objects. NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) is responsible for detecting, tracking, and characterizing these objects, as well as developing strategies to mitigate potential threats.
While there is no immediate danger from a 2024 ON2 impact, continued vigilance is essential to ensure Earth remains safe from any future asteroid impacts.
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