Produced by: Tarun Mishra
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is monitoring three asteroids set to pass Earth on December 11, 2024. Though moving at high speeds, these asteroids pose no threat, offering a chance to study near-Earth objects (NEOs).
Asteroid 2018 XU3, measuring 89 feet in width, will pass Earth at a safe distance of 4 million miles. Its size and proximity make it ideal for studying the structure and behavior of larger NEOs, aiding asteroid formation and movement research.
At 71 feet wide, Asteroid 2024 XZ11 will come within 2.92 million miles of Earth. Scientists aim to utilize its closer proximity for high-resolution imaging and spectral analysis, comparing its physical and chemical properties with larger asteroids.
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The smallest of the three, Asteroid 2024 XL11, is 20 feet wide and will pass 735,000 miles from Earth, roughly three times the distance to the Moon. Its proximity allows researchers to study interactions between small asteroids and Earth’s gravity.
Small asteroids like 2024 XL11, often fragments of larger bodies, provide information on structural integrity and behavior when entering Earth’s atmosphere. This enhances our understanding of the potential risks posed by such objects.
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Tracking these flybys helps validate asteroid prediction models, ensuring the accuracy of early-warning systems for hazardous objects. The encounters allow NASA to refine observation and analysis technologies for planetary defense.
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Asteroids, remnants from the solar system’s formation, carry valuable information about its early history. Analyzing their composition and structure contributes to our knowledge of celestial evolution and planetary systems.
While these asteroids are not dangerous, studying them advances planetary defense strategies and space exploration capabilities. These observations reinforce the importance of vigilance in monitoring space objects to safeguard Earth’s future.