NASA Alert! Giant 720-foot asteroid coming towards Earth at frightening speed; check the date here

Asteroid approaching Earth (Representative image - Canva)

NASA has issued an alert about a massive asteroid, 2024 ON, currently hurtling towards Earth at a concerning speed. With a diameter of 720 feet, which is larger than two cricket pitches, this colossal space rock is set to pass close to Earth on September 15, 2024. Although the asteroid will maintain a safe distance of about 620,000 miles, or roughly 2.6 times the distance from Earth to the Moon, it has still captured attention. Its high velocity of 25,000 mph has sparked significant interest among astronomers and space enthusiasts alike..

First identified by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Programme, 2024 ON has been closely monitored due to its impressive size and rapid pace. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, has been instrumental in tracking the asteroid, utilising advanced radar and optical telescopes. Detailed analyses of the asteroid’s size, shape, and composition are being conducted to assess any potential risks and to explore possible mitigation strategies.

Despite the asteroid's formidable speed and size, the chance of it colliding with Earth remains low. NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) emphasises the need for ongoing vigilance, stressing the importance of preparedness in dealing with near-Earth objects. The office, a key player in planetary defence, is committed to identifying, tracking, and developing strategies to deflect or mitigate potential threats from space.

Collaboration with international agencies, including the European Space Agency (ESA), is underway to study the asteroid’s composition. This research is crucial for understanding the materials that make up these celestial bodies and provides insights into the early formation of the solar system. The combined efforts of NASA, ESA, and various academic institutions highlight the importance of global cooperation in space exploration and planetary defence.

NASA is keeping the public informed through regular updates on its website and social media platforms. Enthusiasts in the Northern Hemisphere will have the opportunity to observe the asteroid's approach, with live coverage provided by the Virtual Telescope Project.

As the date of 2024 ON’s close encounter approaches, scientists and researchers will continue to gather data, advancing our understanding of the universe and the dynamic forces at play. The study of such asteroids offers invaluable clues into the history of our solar system, shaped over billions of years.