Updated May 9, 2024, 2:11 p.m. IST
NASA is warning today of a close encounter with asteroid 2024 JT3. Here’s everything you need to know about this spooky call with this space rock.
NASA warns of close encounter with asteroid 2024 JT3.
Today, eyes turn to the sky like a celestial visitor, Asteroid 2024 JT3, rushes dangerously close to the Earth. This space rock, part of the Apollo group of asteroids, makes its presence known with its size of 17 feet and its frightening speed of 39,178 km/h. The closest time of approach is forecast at 09:35 UTC (3:05 p.m. IST), sending a wave of anticipation and concern through the astronomy community.
What sets the 2024 JT3 apart is its proximity. While most asteroids keep a safe distance, this one ventures just 25,739 kilometers from our planet. To put that into perspective, that’s closer than some satellites orbiting Earth! The possibility of a close encounter like this underscores the importance of NASA’s vigilance in tracking near-Earth objects (NEOs).
What if asteroid 2024 JT3 hit Earth?
Even if JT3 2024 presents no danger this time, it is worth thinking about what could happen if an object of similar size were to hit our planet. An asteroid measuring 17 feet in diameter would not cause widespread devastation. It would likely enter Earth’s atmosphere and disintegrate into harmless fragments before reaching the ground, creating a brief but spectacular meteor shower. However, this event highlights the importance of ongoing asteroid tracking and deflection strategies currently being developed by space agencies around the world.
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How does NASA track these asteroids?
NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) diligently monitors these space rocks, especially those deemed potentially hazardous. These asteroids measure more than 460 feet and are within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometers) of Earth’s orbit. Although the JT3 2024 does not fall into this category due to its smaller size, its close shave serves as a reminder of the need for continued observation and study.
Data on the orbits of near-Earth objects, including 2024 JT3, comes from a variety of sources. The Minor Planet Center coordinates measurements from observatories around the world, including contributions from amateur astronomers. However, most of the tracking work is done by NASA-funded facilities such as Pan-STARRS, the Catalina Sky Survey, and the NEOWISE mission. Additionally, radar projects such as JPL’s Goldstone Solar System Radar Group play a crucial role in NASA’s efforts to understand these cosmic travelers.
Although 2024 JT3 poses no immediate threat, its flyby provides scientists with a valuable opportunity to refine their understanding of its trajectory and composition. By studying such asteroids, researchers learn more about the formation and evolution of our solar system.
As asteroid 2024 JT3 brushes past our planet, let’s take a moment to appreciate the wonders of our universe and the tireless efforts of those who watch over our cosmic neighborhood.
