(SQAUK) — On June 11, 2024, asteroid 2024 CR9, measuring between 330 and 750 meters in diameter, will make its closest approach to Earth. According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the asteroid will pass at a safe distance of approximately 7.4 million kilometers from our planet, roughly 19 times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.
The Pan-STARRS survey discovered the massive rock floating through space in mid-February and has been continually tracking it. Due to its size and relative proximity during its flyby, it was classified as potentially hazardous. However, it’s important to note that it poses no impact risk. This classification is part of NASA’s comprehensive preventive measures to monitor celestial objects that come close to Earth’s orbit, ensuring our safety and peace of mind.
To put its size into perspective, the asteroid is comparable to modern aircraft carriers like the USS Gerald R. Ford, about 333 meters long. Imagining two such carriers end to end gives a rough idea of the asteroid’s size. Alternatively, it could be likened to stacking two Eiffel Towers, which stand at 324 meters each, on top of one another.
The close approach of 2024 CR9 is a fascinating celestial event and a valuable opportunity for scientists. It allows them to study its composition, trajectory, and behavior without considering a potential collision. The observations and data collected during this event will significantly contribute to understanding similar near-Earth objects and, importantly, enhance our planetary defense strategies.
Astronomy enthusiasts and the general public can actively participate in this celestial event. They can observe the flyby through live streams provided by organizations such as the Virtual Telescope Project. These live broadcasts aim to capture real-time footage of the asteroid as it makes its safe passage, bringing the event right into your homes and devices.
NASA’s continuous monitoring and tracking of near-Earth objects ensure that potential threats are identified and analyzed well in advance. The approach of 2024 CR9 serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system and the importance of ongoing vigilance in space exploration.
For those who want to watch the event, the Virtual Telescope Project will live-stream the asteroid’s flyby, offering a unique view of this celestial occurrence.
