Asteroid
2024 OR1
, a massive space rock measuring approximately 110 feet in diameter, is currently on a trajectory that brings it close to Earth.
NASA
has issued a warning about this near-Earth object (
NEO
), which is traveling at a terrifying
speed
of 30,381 kilometers per hour. The
asteroid
is part of the
Apollo group
, a class of asteroids with orbits that intersect Earth’s orbit, making them particularly noteworthy for astronomers and space agencies.
Several notable asteroids which have flown by in close proximity to Earth recently have been from this group of asteroids.
NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (
CNEOS
) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, made the initial detection of the asteroid. The discovery was made as a part of NASA's continuous monitoring and tracking of NEOs that may be dangerous to Earth. The closest approach of 2024 OR1 to Earth is scheduled for August 6, 2024, at roughly 6:41 PM IST, according to NASA. The asteroid is predicted to travel safely away from Earth, preventing any collisions despite its close approach.
Asteroids like 2024 OR1 are remnants from the early solar system, composed of rock, metal, and other materials. They vary in
size
and shape, with some being as small as pebbles and others as large as mountains. The study of these celestial objects provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. NASA’s
Planetary Defense Coordination Office
(PDCO) is responsible for detecting, tracking, and characterizing potentially hazardous asteroids and comets that come close to Earth.
The speed and size of 2024 OR1 make it a significant object of interest. Traveling at over 30,000 kilometers per hour, the asteroid’s velocity is comparable to that of other fast-moving NEOs. Its size, roughly equivalent to a blue whale, the largest mammal on Earth, adds to the intrigue and importance of monitoring its path. The asteroid’s dimensions and speed were determined using radar observations and optical telescopes, which provide detailed data on its trajectory and physical characteristics.
At approximately 110 ft, the asteroid is the size of the massive blue whale, the largest mammal on Earth. Source: iStock
NASA’s warning about 2024 OR1 comes amid a series of close encounters with other asteroids. Just a few days before, on August 4, 2024, a larger asteroid named 2024 OC, measuring about 410 feet, passed by Earth. Earlier in the month, on August 1, two other asteroids, 2024 OE and 2024 OO, also made close approaches. These events highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and preparedness for potential asteroid impacts.
The discovery and tracking of 2024 OR1 are part of a broader effort to enhance planetary defense capabilities. NASA collaborates with international space agencies, observatories, and research institutions to develop strategies for mitigating the impact of potential asteroid collisions. This includes studying the composition and behavior of asteroids, as well as exploring technologies for deflecting or disrupting them if necessary.
Public awareness and education about NEOs are also crucial components of planetary defense. NASA regularly updates its database of known asteroids and comets, providing information on their orbits, sizes, and potential risks. The agency’s efforts aim to ensure that humanity is better prepared to respond to any future threats from space.
While the asteroid poses no immediate danger, its presence puts emphasis on the need for vigilance and continued research in the field of planetary defense. As technology advances and our understanding of NEOs improves, we can better protect our planet from potential cosmic hazards.
What asteroids are dangerous for earth?
To be classified as a potentially hazardous object, it needs to fulfill a certain criteria. For asteroid the NEA should be on an Apollo or Aten orbit. These objects must be at least 140 meter in size and should be flying past earth with a speed of about 7,50,000 km/hr.
For the unversed, NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is the United States government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research. Established in 1958, NASA has led many of the world's most significant space exploration missions, including the Apollo moon landings, the Space Shuttle program, and the Mars rovers.
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