Peanut-shaped Asteroid Passes Close to Earth

NASA scientists recently captured detailed radar images of a mysterious peanut-shaped asteroid, 2024 ON, as it made a close approach to Earth. On September 17, 2024, the asteroid passed about 620,000 miles from Earth, approximately 2.6 times the distance between Earth and the Moon.

These images were captured by NASA’s Goldstone Solar System Radar near Barstow, California, just one day before its closest approach. The asteroid was first spotted on July 27 by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii.

Scientists believe that 2024 ON is a contact binary, consisting of two rounded lobes connected by a narrow neck. One lobe is approximately 50% larger than the other. The asteroid measures about 1,150 feet (350 meters) in length, with surface features as small as 12.3 feet (3.75 meters) visible in the radar images. Bright spots observed on the surface likely indicate large boulders.

Over six hours of radar observations captured approximately 90% of one full rotation of the asteroid, giving scientists invaluable data about its structure and composition. Classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid due to its size and proximity to Earth’s orbit, NASA officials emphasize that 2024 ON poses no threat to the planet in the foreseeable future.

This encounter underscores the critical role of planetary radar in studying near-Earth objects and enhancing planetary defense capabilities. By refining our understanding of the asteroid’s orbit and future trajectory, the collected data offers vital insights for decades to come.

The discovery highlights the importance of NASA’s planetary radar in monitoring celestial events and protecting Earth from potentially dangerous objects.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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