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NASA has warned about a massive asteroid, named 2024 RB10, that is set to make a close approach to Earth today. The space rock measures approximately 230 feet in diameter, comparable to the size of a large airplane. It is expected to fly past Earth at a distance of 7,280,000 kilometres, ensuring a safe passage without any threat of collision. Though it's far from Earth, its size makes it a significant object to observe.
Asteroid 2024 RB10 Details
The asteroid is travelling at an impressive speed of 45,938 kilometres per hour, making its approach even more intriguing for astronomers and space enthusiasts. It is scheduled to fly past Earth at 8:56 PM IST today, September 20.
Asteroid 2024 RB10 belongs to the Amor group of asteroids. Amor asteroids are near-Earth objects (NEOs) that orbit the Sun, often crossing paths with Earth’s orbit. However, they do not intersect with Earth’s orbit as closely as other groups like the Apollo asteroids. While they still come relatively close to our planet, Amor asteroids typically do not pose an immediate danger of collision.
What if Asteroid 2024 RB10 Hit Earth?
Though 2024 RB10 poses no risk to Earth, asteroids of this size can still cause significant damage if they were to collide with the planet. If an asteroid of this size struck a populated area, it could cause destruction similar to a large nuclear explosion, levelling buildings and affecting a wide region. However, smaller asteroids usually burn up in Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the surface, which reduces the risk of ground impact from space rocks of this size.
How NASA Tracks These Asteroids
NASA plays a crucial role in monitoring asteroids such as 2024 RB10 to protect Earth. The Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) utilises data from worldwide observatories, including NASA-backed initiatives like Pan-STARRS and the Catalina Sky Survey, to acquire important information about the size, speed, and path of near-Earth objects.
Moreover, planetary radar systems, such as the Goldstone Solar System Radar Group at JPL, aid in refining asteroid trajectory predictions. Using these technologies, NASA remains watchful, ensuring that potential risks from space objects are precisely monitored and assessed.