“Asteroid Approaching Earth (Representative Image: Photoshop)”
NASA has issued a warning about an asteroid, named 2024 ON, that is hurtling towards Earth at a staggering speed of 25,000 mph. Measuring 720 feet in diameter—roughly twice the length of two cricket pitches—the asteroid is set to pass by our planet on September 15, 2024. Although it will come no closer than 620,000 miles—about 2.6 times the distance from Earth to the Moon—its rapid speed and size have drawn global attention.
NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Programme first detected the asteroid, and it has been under continuous monitoring since then. Scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, are closely tracking 2024 ON using advanced radar and optical technologies. Researchers are analyzing the asteroid’s characteristics to assess any potential risks, though NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) has assured the public that the chances of a collision with Earth remain extremely low.
NASA is working alongside international space agencies, including the European Space Agency (ESA), to further study the asteroid. This global collaboration is crucial for understanding its composition and enhancing planetary defense strategies. Insights gained from studying 2024 ON will not only deepen our knowledge of the materials making up celestial bodies but also help prepare for future space threats.
For space enthusiasts, there is good news: skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid’s approach. The Virtual Telescope Project will provide live coverage as it draws nearer. As the date approaches, NASA will continue to release regular updates, contributing to our understanding of asteroids and the dynamic forces shaping the solar system.
