The asteroid will travel more than 16 times the average distance between Earth and the Moon. Scientists have called it a ‘near miss,’ but they also confirmed that there is no danger to Earth.
NASA has detected a 210-foot asteroid, named 2024 XW15, approaching Earth at a speed of 41,421 km/h. The asteroid will pass within 6,460,000 kilometers of our planet on December 13, 2024, at 9:42 AM. This may sound alarming to many, but the scientists believe that it will not pose any danger to Earth.
The asteroid will travel more than 16 times the average distance between Earth and the Moon. Scientists have called it a ‘near miss,’ but they also confirmed that there is no danger to Earth. Such events provide an opportunity for scientists to observe Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) and gain valuable knowledge for future occurrences.
Asteroids like 2024 XW15 are leftovers of the early solar system, dating back 4.6 billion years ago. These asteroids are rocky in nature which vary in size and composition, and their orbits sometimes bring them near Earth, making it crucial to track their movements.
NASA uses advanced technology to discover and analyse Near-Earth Objects with the help of monitoring tools and radar systems.