NASA has issued a new alert about asteroid 2024 ON, a massive space rock with a diameter of 720 feet, equivalent to two cricket pitches. This asteroid is currently traveling towards Earth at an alarming speed of 25,000 mph. Despite its rapid pace, the asteroid will pass Earth safely on September 15, 2024, maintaining a distance of about 620,000 miles—approximately 2.6 times the distance from Earth to the Moon.
First detected by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Programme, 2024 ON has been under close observation due to its significant size and high velocity. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, plays a crucial role in tracking the asteroid, using advanced radar and optical telescopes to monitor its trajectory and characteristics.
NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) emphasizes that while the asteroid’s speed and size are noteworthy, the likelihood of a collision with Earth remains very low. The PDCO is dedicated to planetary defense, working to identify and track potential threats from space and developing strategies to address them.
International collaboration is key in studying 2024 ON. NASA is working with the European Space Agency (ESA) and other global partners to analyze the asteroid’s composition. Understanding these celestial bodies helps scientists learn more about the early solar system and enhances global cooperation in space exploration.
Public engagement is a priority for NASA, which continues to provide updates through its website and social media. Space enthusiasts in the Northern Hemisphere will have the chance to view the asteroid’s approach, with live coverage available from the Virtual Telescope Project.