Asteroid Hitting Earth or pass

Asteroid Hitting Earth 2024? The Truth Behind Today’s Close Encounters

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In a year packed with cosmic events, the buzz around asteroid hitting Earth in 2024 is reaching a fever pitch. Today, two asteroids are making headlines, but should we be worried about an asteroid hitting Earth? Let’s dive into the facts behind these celestial visitors and understand what their close encounters mean for us.

Two Asteroid Hitting Earth Making Headlines

On September 14, 2024, Earth is witnessing a significant cosmic event with two asteroids making notably close approaches. The first, asteroid 2024 RN16, measures about 110 feet across and is zooming through space at a blistering speed of 104,761 kilometers per hour. Despite this impressive velocity, it will safely pass Earth at a distance of 1.6 million kilometers—far enough to avoid any threat. Recently, SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn Mission made a historic return and unprecedented achievements.

However, the second asteroid, 2024 ON, is generating even more buzz. This space rock is about 720 feet in diameter, which is equivalent to the length of two cricket fields placed end to end. Even though 2024 ON will come within 997,793 kilometers of Earth—over twice the distance between Earth and the Moon—it remains a close encounter by cosmic standards. So, they are called killer asteroid.

Speed Raises Eyebrows

One factor that has astronomers on alert is the speed of these asteroids. Asteroid 2024 ON is traveling at an astonishing 40,233 kilometers per hour. While this velocity is typical for asteroids, it still demands careful monitoring to ensure that the asteroid remains on its predicted path.

NASA’s Vigilance

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, is at the forefront of tracking these space rocks. Using advanced optical telescopes, NASA’s team is studying the composition, shape, and trajectory of these asteroids. This meticulous observation helps scientists predict their future paths and assess any potential risks.

In addition to tracking, NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) is prepared to act if needed. The office has protocols in place to attempt to deflect an asteroid if it were to show any signs of veering off course and potentially posing a threat. According to the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) at JPL, such close encounters with asteroids are not rare and occur roughly once every decade.

Asteroid Hits: Common Misconceptions

It’s crucial to understand that while today’s asteroids are making news, close encounters with space rocks are a regular occurrence. In fact, smaller asteroids and meteoroids frequently pass by Earth without incident. Today, aside from 2024 RN16 and 2024 ON, other space rocks like 2024 RQ5 and 2024 RM10 are also making their rounds without posing any threat.

Moreover, Earth encounters about 48.5 tones of meteoric material daily. Most of this material burns up upon entering the atmosphere, creating the shooting stars we see. Larger asteroids are much less common and attract more attention when they pass close to Earth.Therefore, there is chance these type of Asteroid Hitting Earth.

Staying Prepared

The key takeaway from today’s events is the importance of ongoing vigilance and preparedness. NASA, along with the European Space Agency (ESA) and other organizations, continually monitors Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) to safeguard our planet. Their efforts ensure that we are ready to respond to any potential threats from space.

Conclusion: No Need to Panic

In summary, while the idea of an asteroid hitting Earth in 2024 might sound alarming, today’s close approaches by asteroids 2024 RN16 and 2024 ON do not pose any immediate danger. The vast distances involved and the sophisticated tracking systems in place mean that Earth remains safe from these cosmic visitors. As we continue to explore and study our solar system, it’s clear that the real focus should be on the ongoing efforts to monitor and prepare for any future asteroid encounters.

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