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The vast expanse of our universe holds countless celestial bodies, some of which occasionally venture close to our planet. One such celestial visitor is Asteroid 2024 ON, a sizable space rock estimated to be roughly 720 feet in diameter, or about the size of two cricket grounds. Thankfully, this asteroid is not expected to pose any threat to Earth, as it will safely pass at a distance of 997,793 kilometers—more than 2.5 times the distance between the Earth and the Moon. While the asteroid's safe proximity may be reassuring, its impressive speed––40,233 km/h––is a matter of note. The asteroid will reach its closest point to Earth on September 17.
The discovery of 2024 ON was made relatively recently, on July 27, by the ATLAS Sky Survey, a system designed to detect and track near-Earth objects. The ATLAS system, comprised of two telescopes in Hawaii, plays a crucial role in early warning systems for potential asteroid impacts. The detection of 2024 ON serves as a reminder of the constant movement of objects in our solar system and the importance of ongoing observation and analysis.
For those interested in witnessing this celestial event firsthand, or at least virtually, the 2024 ON asteroid will be live-streamed on virtualtelescope.eu/webtv on September 15, starting at 19:30 UTC (1:00 AM September 16). This livestream will provide a unique opportunity to observe the asteroid's movement and appreciate the vastness of the cosmos. This event also underscores the value of collaborative efforts in astronomy and space exploration, showcasing how international projects like ATLAS and the Virtual Telescope Project contribute to our understanding of the universe and our place within it.
Source: 2024 ON: Asteroid the size of two cricket grounds to safely pass Earth