NASA issues urgent warning: 97-foot asteroid and two massive space rocks approaching Earth today

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is tracking three asteroids approaching Earth today.

Sheetal Kumari

December 12, 2024 / 17:31 IST

Asteroid in space (Representative Image: Canva)

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is tracking three asteroids. These celestial visitors will safely pass Earth on December 12, 2024. Scientists confirm there is no risk to our planet.

Asteroid 2024 XS: A Rock the Size of an Airplane

Asteroid 2024 XS measures around 97 feet in width. It will make its closest approach at 1.99 million miles. Researchers view this as an opportunity to study its structure.

Approximate size: 97 feet
Closest approach: 1,990,000 miles
Date of approach: December 12, 2024

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Asteroid 2024 WP11: A Smaller Space Visitor

Slightly smaller, Asteroid 2024 WP11 spans 68 feet. It will pass at a distance of 3.72 million miles. Experts will focus on its physical characteristics during this close approach.

Approximate size: 68 feet
Closest approach: 3,728,000 miles
Date of approach: December 12, 2024

Asteroid 2024 XF9: The Smallest in the Trio

Asteroid 2024 XF9, at 28 feet wide, is the smallest. Despite its size, it will pass closer at 478,000 miles. Scientists aim to gain insights into its composition.

Approximate size: 28 feet
Closest approach: 478,000 miles
Date of approach: December 12, 2024

NASA’s Monitoring Ensures Planetary Safety

NASA’s JPL continues tracking these asteroids closely. While posing no threat, they present learning opportunities. Observing such objects helps improve our understanding of space.

Sheetal Kumari

first published: Dec 12, 2024 05:31 pm

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