NASA Asteroid Alert
An alert has been issued by NASA regarding the close approach of an asteroid named 2024 TP17. This asteroid is set to make its closest approach on October 24th, 2024 at around 1:50 pm IST. 2024 TP17 is an aeroplane-sized 170 ft asteroid that is going to make its closest approach to Earth at 4,640,000 kilometres. It’s worth noting that even after this close call, the 2024 TP17 asteroid poses no threat to Earth.
Let’s delve into the details of the 2024 TP17 asteroid.
This seems a huge number but for reference, the average distance between Earth and moon is around 384,400 kilometres and the asteroid movement is expected to be recorded approximately around 12 times of it. Movement of an asteroid at the speed of 20,832 km/h through space is typical but this close call draws the attention of astronomers and scientists.
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This close call itself is enough for 2024 TP17 to qualify the Near Earth Objects (NEO) criteria. NEOs are asteroids and comets that orbit the Sun and come within 48,280,320 kilometres of Earth’s orbit. Even after this close call, 2024 TP17 poses no threat to Earth.
Even though Earth does not have any threat with 2024 TP17, NASA is working on planetary defence strategies. NEO Surveyor, an upcoming mission which is set to be launched in 2028 is crucial for detecting potential hazards and for preparing defence strategies in future.
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NASA’s Centre of Near Earth Objects Studies (CNEOS) has been constantly tracking asteroids to predict the close approach of NEOs to Earth and their potential risk.
For better 3D visual understanding of the movement of asteroids you can check eyes.nasa.gov/apps/asteroids