In a spectacular and rare cosmic alignment, four massive asteroids zoomed past Earth today, marking one of the closest encounters with large space rocks in recent years. These asteroids, ranging from 100 to nearly 600 feet in diameter, passed within 3.5 million miles of our planet in a tight 12-hour span.
The lineup included two newly discovered asteroids, designated 2024 TR6 and 2024 TP17, which were only identified in early October. The other two, known as 2015 HM1 and 2002 NV16, were observed earlier. The biggest asteroid, 2002 NV16, which is approximately 580 feet wide (as tall as a 40-story building), came within 2.8 million miles of Earth—significantly closer than the rest. Despite being classified as “potentially hazardous” due to their proximity, scientists assure us there was no real risk to Earth’s safety.
These asteroids’ close approach is not only a reminder of Earth’s vulnerability but also a chance for researchers to improve tracking methods and understanding of asteroid behavior. NASA’s asteroid tracking systems, including the Near-Earth Object Observations Program, monitor thousands of these space rocks yearly, collecting data that helps predict their orbits and assess potential future threats.
For anyone eager to learn more about these close encounters and the science behind tracking near-Earth objects, check out the detailed breakdown on LiveScience.com
