Asteroid in space (Representative Image: Canva)
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is tracking five asteroids set to safely pass Earth in late September 2024. The asteroids—identified as 2020 GE, 2024 RO11, 2024 RK7, 2024 RW25, and 2024 RP15—pose no threat to the planet. Their close proximity offers valuable opportunities for scientific observation and study.
Asteroid 2020 GE: Bus Size Space Rock
Asteroid 2020 GE is approximately 26 feet wide, making it a significant object in space terms. There’s no need for concern as it will safely pass Earth at a distance of 410,000 kilometers—much farther than the Moon.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Approximate Size | 26 feet |
| Closest Earth Approach | 410,000 miles |
| Date of Closest Approach | September 24, 2024 |
Asteroid 2024 RO11: Airplane-Size Space Rock
Asteroid 2024 RO11 is about 120 feet wide. Although its size classifies it as a notable object, it will safely pass by Earth at a distance of 4,580,000 kilometers.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Approximate Size | 120 feet |
| Closest Earth Approach | 4,580,000 miles |
| Date of Closest Approach | September 24, 2024 |
Asteroid 2024 RK7: Airplane-Size Space Rock
Asteroid 2024 RK7, with an approximate width of 100 feet, will safely pass Earth at a distance of 4,230,000 kilometers.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Approximate Size | 100 feet |
| Closest Earth Approach | 4,230,000 miles |
| Date of Closest Approach | September 25, 2024 |
Asteroid 2024 RW25: Airplane-Size Space Rock
Asteroid 2024 RW25 measures around 82 feet in width and will pass by Earth at a distance of 3,830,000 kilometers.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Approximate Size | 82 feet |
| Closest Earth Approach | 3,830,000 miles |
| Date of Closest Approach | September 27, 2024 |
Asteroid 2024 RP15: Airplane-Size Space Rock
Asteroid 2024 RP15 is approximately 93 feet wide. It will safely pass Earth at a distance of 4,180,000 kilometers.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Approximate Size | 93 feet |
| Closest Earth Approach | 4,180,000 miles |
| Date of Closest Approach | September 27, 2024 |
NASA’s JPL continues to monitor these five asteroids closely. Although none pose a threat to Earth, their proximity provides valuable opportunities for scientific research and observation. This close encounter underscores the importance of ongoing space monitoring and the need to better understand these celestial objects.