Is an Asteroid Hitting Earth in 2024? Know About NASA's Upcoming Asteroid Close Approaches, Assess Collision Risks and Preparedness

Is an asteroid going to hit Earth in 2024? Is an asteroid hitting Earth 2024 today? Will an asteroid collide with Earth in 2024? These are some of the buzzing phrases that have taken over search engine platforms after the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) warned about the '15th September Asteroid Hitting Earth' report. While the likelihood of a major impact is low, several asteroids will approach our planet, two of which have some potential for collision. Let’s learn everything about asteroids, upcoming asteroid close approaches, assessing collision risks, and preparedness.

What are Asteroids?

Asteroids are small, rocky bodies that orbit the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They vary in size from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter and are remnants from the early solar system, often composed of metals and other minerals. ‘God of Chaos’ Asteroid to Flyby Dangerously Close to Earth, Massive Space Rock Apophis’ Trajectory Has Experts Worried, Know About the Potential Risks.

Upcoming Asteroid Close Approaches

1. October 3, 2024: Asteroid 2007 FT3

Size: Approximately 340 meters (1,115 feet)

Magnitude: 20.0

Close Approach Distance: About 1.7 AU (Astronomical Units)

Details: Asteroid 2007 FT3 is classified as a "lost" asteroid; it was first spotted on March 20, 2007, but cannot be tracked currently. Estimates indicate a 1-in-11-million chance of this asteroid hitting Earth in October 2024. However, NASA assures that there is no cause for alarm.

2. October 8, 2024: Asteroid 2011 MD

Size: Around 6 meters (20 feet)

Magnitude: 28.0

Close Approach Distance: 0.15 AU

Details: This micro-asteroid will approach Earth for the second time this year, with the first close pass occurring in February. It poses no threat to our planet.

3. December 17, 2024: Asteroid 2022 YO1

Size: Approximately 3 meters (10 feet)

Magnitude: 20.8

Close Approach Distance: 0.0055 AU

Details: Part of the Apollo group, asteroid 2022 YO1 was first observed on December 17, 2022. It has a 1-in-430 chance of colliding with Earth in December 2024. Should it enter our atmosphere, it would likely disintegrate as a bright fireball, posing no danger to the ground below.

Assessing Collision Risks

Asteroid collisions are a common phenomenon in the cosmos. Small asteroids, about 1 meter in diameter, strike Earth roughly every two weeks without causing significant damage.

However, larger asteroids can have catastrophic consequences. An impact from an asteroid over 100 meters could lead to global disasters, including prolonged darkness from dust and ash, resulting in crop failures and widespread famine. Fortunately, NASA estimates that large asteroids capable of causing regional damage strike Earth approximately every 10,000 years, while those larger than 1 kilometre, which could threaten life, occur once every few million years. This means the chance of being affected by an asteroid in your lifetime is exceedingly small.

Preparedness and Safety Measures

Despite the low odds, it's wise to be informed about the potential risks. Astronomers employ various measures to monitor and assess asteroid threats to ensure Earth's safety. For further understanding, you can check the NASA official website.

Unlike planets, asteroids do not have atmospheres and can have irregular shapes. While many asteroids remain in stable orbits, some may come close to Earth, raising interest in their potential impact on our planet. Their study provides valuable insights into the formation of our solar system and the materials that exist beyond Earth.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2024 12:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).