NASA alerts: Massive 120-foot asteroid to approach Earth at high speed on Christmas Eve

(Representative Image: AI Generated)

Astronomers are keeping a close watch on asteroid 2024 XN1, which is set to pass Earth on December 24, 2024. The 120-foot rock will come remarkably close, but experts confirm there's no need for concern.

How Close Will 2024 XN1 Get?

The asteroid will pass Earth at a distance of 4,480,000 miles. That’s more than 16 times the distance to the Moon. It will speed past at 14,743 miles per hour at 02:57 AM IST. Despite its "near-miss" label, scientists assure that Earth is safe.

Why Monitoring Asteroids Matters

Asteroids like 2024 XN1 are ancient space rocks, remnants from the early solar system. They date back 4.6 billion years and orbit the Sun. When their orbits intersect with Earth's, it's vital to track them closely. Past impacts, like the one that led to the dinosaurs' extinction, underscore the importance of these efforts.

Read Also: Ursid meteor shower 2024: Date, peak time, where, and how to watch the final meteor display of the year

Advanced Tools for Planetary Defence

NASA uses cutting-edge technology to monitor space rocks. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, along with radar systems, provides detailed tracking. Missions such as OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2 have also gathered samples to help scientists understand the solar system's history.

While 2024 XN1’s flyby poses no immediate threat, it serves as a reminder of the need for planetary defence. Monitoring near-Earth objects remains crucial to safeguarding the planet.