3 asteroids to pass Earth this week, NASA confirms
What's the story
This September, three asteroids are set to make their close approach to Earth. The first two, 2020 GE and 2024 RO11, will pass by tomorrow. They will be followed by another celestial body, 2024 RK7, on September 25. These events have been confirmed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Despite the seemingly alarming nature of these occurrences, NASA has assured that there is no cause for concern as these asteroids pose no threat to our planet.
Asteroid specifics
Details about 2024 RO11
The larger of the two asteroids passing by on September 24 is 2024 RO11, a newly discovered celestial body. It measures approximately 120 feet in diameter, roughly equivalent to the size of an airplane. This asteroid will safely pass Earth at a distance of 73,71,600km — a significant gap despite sounding relatively close in astronomical terms.
Twitter Post
Take a look at JPL's confirmation post
Two peanut-shaped asteroids in one month?
— NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) September 18, 2024
That begs the question... How many peanut-shaped asteroids does it take to qualify as a peanut gallery??
More on 2024ON, which safely flew past Earth on Tuesday: https://t.co/WjOqOxAYxGhttps://t.co/lTenZhZ7Mhpic.twitter.com/v1jgtxJqkM
Second encounter
2020 GE's close approach and size
The smaller asteroid, 2020 GE, will also make its close approach on the same day. It measures about 26 feet, approximately the size of a bus. This celestial body will come within 6,60,400km of Earth. Although this is a closer flyby than its larger counterpart, it still poses no risk of impact.
Final flyby
NASA has not disclosed the exact distance of 2024 RK7
The third asteroid to make an appearance this month is 2024 RK7 on September 25. It measures around 100 feet in diameter, making it slightly smaller than the first one but still significant in size. NASA has not revealed the exact distance at which 2024 RK7 will pass from Earth. However, there is no indication of any danger from this asteroid either. These events provide a unique opportunity for skywatchers with specialized telescopes to observe these space rocks.