Earth is in firing line as six asteroids, including one classified as a "near-miss," are expected to pass unusually close to Earth, according to Nasa’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS).
These celestial objects, ranging in size from 4.7 to 48 meters, highlight the importance of continuous monitoring of near-Earth objects (NEOs).
2024 XL11: This small asteroid, measuring between 4.7 and 10 meters, will make its closest approach at midnight UTC, passing within 0.00791 astronomical units (AU) or approximately 1.18 million kilometers from Earth.
2024 XZ11: This asteroid, estimated to be 17 to 38 meters in diameter, will pass at a safe distance of 0.03143 AU or roughly 4.7 million kilometers.
2018 XU3: Slightly larger at 21 to 48 meters, this asteroid will approach at a distance of 0.04306 AU or about 6.4 million kilometers.
2024 XK1: Measuring between 7.3 and 16 meters, it will pass within 0.01249 AU (1.87 million kilometers).
2024 WB14: This asteroid, 21 to 46 meters wide, will come as close as 0.04626 AU (6.9 million kilometers).
2007 XB23: The most concerning of tonight's visitors, 2007 XB23, will pass just 0.00298 AU—less than 4,50,000 kilometers from Earth. At 10 to 23 meters in size, it will skim by within the Moon’s orbit.
Despite the proximity of these asteroids, NASA confirms there is no imminent threat of collision. However, 2007 XB23’s close approach shows the critical need for vigilant asteroid tracking systems.
Astronomers globally are keeping a close eye on these events, which shows dynamic and unpredictable nature of space.
While these asteroids are expected to pose no danger, their close flybys offer valuable opportunities for scientific observation and analysis of NEO behavior, composition, and trajectory.
Source: India Today