Asteroids are fascinating celestial objects that provide valuable insights into the early solar system. Tracking their trajectories is crucial for understanding potential impact risks and for planning future space missions. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) regularly monitors these space rocks. Earth will witness three sizable asteroids passing in the coming days between August 10 and August 12. These three asteroids are on a trajectory that will bring them near the Earth in the upcoming days. Although these space rocks vary in size, they’ll not pose any threat to the Earth. In this article, we’ll discuss about the Asteroid 2024 KH3, Asteroid 2024 PK1 and Asteroid 2024 ON2.

1. Asteroid 2024 KH3

Date of Closest Approach: August 10, 2024

This asteroid, with a diameter of approximately 186 metres (610 feet), is the largest among the other asteroids passing the Earth in the coming days. The asteroid will pass within 5.58 million kilometres of Earth and is compared to that of a tall building. While it poses no immediate threat, its close proximity provides an opportunity for scientists to study its trajectory and composition.

2. Asteroid 2024 PK1

Date of Closest Approach: August 10, 2024

Passing on the same day as that of Asteroid 2024 KH3, this asteroid is of airplane size with a diametre of 34 metres (910 feet). Asteroid 2024 PK1 will pass at a distance of 6.46 million kilometres from the Earth, posing no threat. Researchers will closely monitor this approach to refine their understanding of its orbit and assess any potential risks for future encounters.

3. Asteroid 2024 ON2

Date of Closest Approach: August 12, 2024

Roughly the size of an airplane, Asteroid 2024 ON2 will pass the Earth within 6.72 million kilometres. The diametre of this asteroid is 37 metres (120 feet). The asteroid will not pose any significant threat to the Earth. This approach is part of ongoing efforts to track and predict the paths of near-Earth objects (NEOs).

The upcoming asteroid approaches provide a valuable chance for scientists to enhance their understanding of these celestial bodies and their trajectories. As they pass at varying distances from Earth, they offer unique opportunities for research and observation. Keeping an eye on these events helps ensure we remain prepared and informed about our cosmic neighbourhood.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2024 05:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).