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NASA has issued an alert for an asteroid, 2024 SD2, measuring around 82 feet in size (comparable to an airplane), which is set to make a close approach to Earth tomorrow, October 17, 2024, at 6:04 AM IST. This near-Earth object is travelling at an impressive speed of 21,952 km/h and will pass by at a safe distance of 3,862,425 kilometres from our planet.
Asteroid 2024 SD2: What You Need to Know
Asteroid 2024 SD2 is one of the many near-Earth objects (NEOs) that orbit the Sun and occasionally come close to Earth’s orbit. Discovered earlier this year, it has been carefully monitored by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations (NEOO) program, which tracks such objects to ensure there is no risk of collision.
No Threat to Earth
However much it appears to be close in astronomical distance, NASA has stated that there is no chance of an encounter with 2024 SD2. The asteroid will announce a close approach to the Earth and it will not harm the planet in any way possible. However, the event provides scientists with an excellent opportunity to gather data, observe its trajectory, and improve predictions for future asteroid encounters.
Why This Flyby Matters
Asteroids of this size come close to Earth often but each interval allows the researcher to understand their characteristics more closely. By analysing the speed, size, and orbit of 2024 SD2, scientists can deepen their understanding of asteroid behaviour, which is crucial for planetary defence and future exploration.