Massive 53-foot asteroid to fly past Earth on New Year’s Eve, confirms NASA; check timings here

NASA Asteroids Alert

As 2024 comes to an end, a celestial visitor approaches. NASA has confirmed that asteroid 2024 AV2 will pass near Earth on December 31. Scientists assure there’s no risk of impact.

Close Approach Details

Asteroid 2024 AV2, measuring about 53 feet, resembles a large aircraft. It will come closest at 2:47 AM GMT on December 31. The asteroid will travel at a speed of 18,038 mph. At its closest, it will be 1,610,000 miles away. That distance is roughly 31 times that between Earth and the Moon. Experts stress that this approach poses no threat.

Why Asteroids Are Important

Asteroids like 2024 AV2 date back billions of years. They provide crucial insights into the solar system’s origins. These space rocks reveal how Earth and life might have begun. Events like the one that wiped out the dinosaurs highlight their significance. Monitoring asteroids helps scientists prepare for any future risks.

NASA employs cutting-edge technology to track near-Earth objects. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory uses radar to predict asteroid paths. Missions like OSIRIS-REx have even returned asteroid samples. These studies deepen our understanding of asteroids and their potential impact. By tracking objects like 2024 AV2, scientists aim to safeguard the planet.