Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A massive asteroid, named 2024 XN1, will pass close to Earth on Christmas Eve, NASA has confirmed. Dubbed the ‘Christmas Eve Asteroid’, this space rock is estimated to be the size of an airplane, measuring between 95 to 230 feet in diameter. It will travel at a speed of 14,743 mph and make its closest approach to Earth at 2:56 am GMT on December 24.
Asteroid Details
NASA’s Asteroid Watch dashboard, which monitors celestial objects near Earth, revealed that 2024 XN1 is the largest of five asteroids expected to approach our planet in the coming days. Despite being classified as a “near miss,” the asteroid will pass safely at a distance of approximately 4.48 million miles (7.21 million kilometers)—around 18 times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
The asteroid was first detected on December 12 by NASA and the European Space Agency’s planetary defense systems. Scientists estimate its destructive potential to be equivalent to 12 million tonnes of TNT, emphasizing the importance of monitoring such near-Earth objects.
No Threat to Earth
Although the asteroid’s size and speed are noteworthy, experts assure that 2024 XN1 poses no risk of collision with Earth. The fly-by serves as a reminder of the significance of observing and tracking celestial objects for future risks.
The Asteroid Watch dashboard allows the public to track upcoming close approaches, providing details about each asteroid’s size, speed, and distance from Earth.
Importance of Monitoring Near-Earth Objects
Asteroids like 2024 XN1 highlight the critical role of continuous observation and planetary defense initiatives. While this asteroid is not a threat, it underscores the necessity of preparedness for potential future risks from space objects.
