NASA alerts about an airplane-sized asteroid making a close flyby on Christmas Eve
Share
A house-sized asteroid, designated 2024 YP, is set to make a close approach to Earth this Christmas, on December 25, 2024, at 6:27 PM IST. The asteroid, traveling at an impressive speed of 23,877 km/h, will pass at a distance of approximately 995,000 kilometers from our planet—about 2.6 times the average distance between the Earth and the Moon.
Key Details About Asteroid 2024 YP
Asteroid 2024 YP measures about 41 feet (12.5 meters) in diameter, making it roughly the size of a standard house. NASA has classified it as a Near-Earth Object (NEO) due to its proximity to our planet, but it is not categorized as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA). For an asteroid to be deemed potentially hazardous, it must be at least 150 meters wide and have a trajectory bringing it closer than 7.5 million kilometers to Earth.
In this case, while the asteroid will come relatively close, it remains at a safe distance and poses no threat to the planet.
Should You Be Concerned?
Despite its close approach, NASA has assured that Asteroid 2024 YP does not pose any danger to Earth. Events like these are closely monitored by NASA and other space agencies as part of global efforts to track and predict asteroid movements. The flyby provides a valuable opportunity for scientists to observe and study smaller asteroids that pass near Earth, improving our understanding of their behavior, composition, and trajectories.
Why This Matters
Though Asteroid 2024 YP is harmless, its passage serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system and the importance of monitoring near-Earth objects. These observations help scientists prepare for any potential threats in the future and advance our knowledge of celestial bodies.
The flyby also highlights the need for continued investment in planetary defense systems to identify and mitigate risks from larger, potentially hazardous asteroids that may approach Earth in the future.
