A significant astronomical event is set to occur on August 12, as asteroid 2024 OR1 hurtles towards Earth, making an exceptionally close approach. The asteroid, which is approximately 110 feet in size, equivalent to the dimensions of a large airplane, is expected to pass by our planet at 6:41 pm IST. Traveling at a speed of 30,381 km/h, this celestial body is part of the Apollo group of asteroids—an intriguing category of near-Earth objects (NEOs) whose orbits intersect Earth’s path.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, through its Asteroid Watch program, has been closely monitoring 2024 OR1. The space agency categorizes asteroids as potentially hazardous based on specific criteria, including their proximity to Earth and size. Typically, an asteroid is considered a threat if it approaches within 4,650,000 miles of Earth and is larger than about 460 feet (140 meters).
Asteroid 2024 OR1 will come within 2,130,000 miles of Earth at its closest point, thus meeting the proximity criterion for a potentially hazardous object. However, due to its relatively small size, it poses no threat to our planet. This close encounter, while noteworthy, will pass without incident.
In addition to 2024 OR1, two other asteroids are also set to make close flybys on the same day. Asteroid 2024 OM1, which measures 160 feet in size, will approach Earth, coming within 869,000 miles at its nearest point. Like 2024 OR1, this asteroid is also part of the Apollo group. Meanwhile, asteroid 2024 PE, an Aten near-Earth object, will make its closest approach at a distance of 1,130,000 miles. At just 84 feet in size, it too poses no threat to Earth. NASA has confirmed that all three asteroids will pass safely without any danger.
NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) is tasked with continuously tracking NEOs to assess potential collision risks. The center evaluates factors such as an asteroid’s size, speed, and the location of its impact to determine if it could cause significant damage. These close encounters not only allow scientists to ensure the safety of our planet but also provide valuable opportunities for learning more about these celestial bodies.
The study of asteroids is crucial for NASA, not only for understanding the potential risks they may pose but also for scientific research. In the past, NASA successfully carried out the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, where it intentionally collided a spacecraft with an asteroid. This mission provided important insights into how humanity might defend against a future asteroid threat.
As 2024 OR1 and its fellow travelers make their approach, NASA continues to watch the skies, ensuring that Earth remains safe while also expanding our knowledge of the universe.
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