In late December 2024, two asteroids, namely 2024 YC1 and 2024 YQ2, will come close to Earth. As much as they are close to Earth, NASA has assured the public that they pose no risk of collision. Both of the asteroids will have a close call at 639,000 miles apart, well over twice the distance between Earth and the Moon, and much farther from any trajectory that might result in an impact. Check below the description of these asteroids and why they're important.
Despite their lack of collision with Earth, 2024 YC1 and 2024 YQ2 passing so close bring to mind how essential ongoing asteroid monitoring has become. As technology is continually developing, we will have an even clearer comprehension of such old objects and their impact upon Earth. The observation of NEOs is essential to ensure that we are prepared for any future threats and continue to learn from these cosmic remnants. The study of asteroids is important for planetary defense but also provides the key to unlocking many mysteries about the early solar system and offers insights into the origins of life on Earth.
Two asteroids will pass close to Earth tomorrow, will it collide?
Asteroid 2024 YC1
Asteroid 2024 YC1 has an approximate size of around 170 feet or 52 meters. That is a size resembling a large commercial airliner. One may think it was terrifying that such a massive body would be coming towards Earth at this proximate distance, but its path does not have the possibility of causing any damage. The asteroid will pass at an approximate speed of about 20,666 miles per hour or 33,240 km/h. This velocity means that 2024 YC1 will be crossing Earth at 2:29 p.m. IST on 28th December, 2024. Although it will be approaching within 639,000 miles, it is still way beyond 28 times that of the Moon. Scientists are watching the orbit closely, taking all precautions and are indeed very sure that this space visitor will do no harm to Earth, based on the size and its speed.
Asteroid 2024 YQ2
The second is 2024 YQ2 that is smaller than YC1, with a diameter of about 80 feet (24 meters) in diameter. It moves at a higher speed of about 23,313 miles per hour (37,500 km/h). It will follow the same trajectory as 2024 YC1 passing Earth on December 28, 2024, to a safe distance of approximately 639,000 miles. This is a coincidence whereby the two will pass Earth in one day, but it makes sure that the near-Earth objects that may raise alarms are under constant monitoring.
Importance of monitoring asteroids
Asteroids such as 2024 YC1 and 2024 YQ2 are the leftovers from billions of years ago, in the early solar system where planets were forming. Fragments of space rocks offer tremendous information regarding the conditions and processes which led to planets like Earth. Through asteroid study, scientists can identify the building blocks of our solar system, the chemistry involved in space, and some of the processes that occurred ages ago.
Besides scientific value, study of asteroids is very important for planetary defense. Although these two asteroids are not a threat, impacts in the past have been extremely destructive. One such impact is said to have caused the extinction of dinosaurs about 66 million years ago. The chances of such a disaster are remote, but the possible destruction makes it necessary to keep an eye on the orbits of near-Earth objects.
NASA's efforts in asteroid tracking and protection
NASA plays an important role in monitoring asteroids and other near-Earth objects, or NEOs. NASA uses advanced radar systems to determine the paths of asteroids: the Goldstone and Arecibo radar systems, for instance, predict the movement of asteroids so that it can be calculated whether they pose a threat. JPL is a branch of NASA responsible for the accurate prediction of such trajectories.
NASA has also been involved with tracking but is currently an active participant in missions studying Earth to protect it against future asteroid impacts. These missions include OSIRIS-REx, which gathered samples from the asteroid Bennu. These samples were collected and are being examined for more information about what asteroids are made of and how they might impact Earth someday. The data retrieved from these missions aid scientists in understanding the capability of asteroids impacting Earth, as well as designing policies to mitigate any resultant risks.
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