According to NASA, two asteroids, 2024 YC9 and 2024 YL1, will closely approach Earth today, January 3, 2025. Both of these asteroids will safely pass by the Earth, though their proximity gives scientists a good chance to examine these ancient space rocks closely. The asteroids, 2024 YC9 and 2024 YL1, are remnants from the early solar system and are crucial in understanding the formation and evolution of the same. Although there is no risk of collision, according to the reports. Monitoring of such near-Earth objects (NEOs) helps experts learn more about their behavior and composition.
Asteroid 2024 YL1 is set to pass by Earth today
Asteroid 2024 YL1 around 38 feet in diameter, size is that of a bus. This asteroid is set to pass by Earth at 11:33 PM IST today, January 3, 2025. Though passing close to Earth, 2024 YL1 will come no closer than 2,360,000 km to our planet, which is about six times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
It is travelling at 17,221 km per hour. And, at that speed and given proximity, despite its size, the distance to Earth renders no harm at all to the earth from the asteroid. This provides an opportunity to relatively high speed and close pass, where scientists can get valuable insight into this ancient space rock’s observation and study, further gaining them deeper knowledge about asteroids’ composition and behavior which may one day help in surveillance of celestial threats.
Can there be a collision with Earth?
Asteroid, 2024 YL1, will be crossing Earth on January 3, 2025. This asteroid is smaller in comparison with 2024 YC9. Its size is approximately the same as a bus, having a diameter of about 38 feet. As per reports, the asteroid will cross Earth at a safe distance of approximately 2,360,000 kilometers from Earth, that is six times the distance from the Earth to the Moon. Traveling at a speed of 17,221 km/h, 2024 YL1, like its counterpart 2024 YC9, brings no danger to our planet.
Although these near passes are exciting news for astronomers and space enthusiasts alike, experts were quick to downplay the near misses, promising the public that they are not threatening collisions.
NASA tracks asteroid 2024 YC9 approaches Earth today
The close approach of asteroid 2024 YC9 is one of the current topics of discussion in the scientific community. NASA says that this asteroid approaches on January 3, 2025, providing scientists with an excellent opportunity to study and observe the asteroid. Even though its closeness will catch the eye of space enthusiasts, as experts already reassured the public that there is no possibility of collision. Events like this draw attention to the importance of monitoring near-Earth objects, as this would enable scientists to delve deeper into our cosmic surroundings and be better prepared for future risks that might occur.
The asteroid was around 44 feet in diameter, almost the size of a small airplane that passed Earth at 10:17 am IST, with a speed of 19,445 miles per hour.
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