Today, the Apollo NEO asteroid, 2024 XS3, will pass Earth at a distance of approximately 3.3 million kilometers (2.1 million miles). Discovered on December 3, 2024, this asteroid is currently under observation by NASA and other space agencies to ensure it poses no collision risk. Though the object is small and faint, its close pass offers astronomers a unique opportunity to refine their tracking and monitoring techniques.
2024 XS3 follows an elliptical orbit with a perihelion of 0.89 AU and aphelion of 2.58 AU, giving it a semi-major axis of around 1.73 AU. This places it within the domain of terrestrial planets, ensuring it remains a safe distance from Earth. With an eccentricity of 0.49, the asteroid’s orbit is significantly more elliptical than most planets, making it part of the Apollo asteroid group. It takes approximately 833 days to complete one revolution around the Sun, making it a long-period object.
Is Earth at risk? Asteroid 2024 XS3’s close approach today
The asteroid to Earth today, that is December 18, 2024, at 3.3 million kilometers—about 8.5 times the distance from Earth to the Moon—scientists assure us there is no risk of collision. After this approach, 2024 XS3 won’t come closer than 45 million kilometers again until 2027. This provides valuable time for researchers to continue refining calculations for future close encounters.
Why is Asteroid 2024 XS3 important?
Though relatively small at 84 feet (25.6 meters) in diameter, 2024 XS3 represents an opportunity for scientists to study an ancient space rock. Asteroids like these hold crucial information about the formation of the solar system and the early building blocks of planets and moons. By monitoring and analyzing objects like 2024 XS3, scientists gain insight into the conditions that existed during the early stages of the solar system.
NASA’s monitoring Near-Earth Objects
NASA actively monitors Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) using advanced radar systems to track potential threats. Programs like the Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) focus on detecting and tracking objects larger than 140 meters. The ultimate goal is to detect any NEOs that may pose a future collision risk with Earth. NASA’s ongoing efforts, including missions like the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), aim to develop methods for deflecting hazardous asteroids.
Asteroid 2024 XS3 serves as a reminder of the importance of asteroid monitoring and planetary defense. While this particular encounter poses no threat, scientists continue to track these objects to protect Earth from potential future risks. Thanks to NASA and international space agencies, we are better prepared to handle asteroid threats, ensuring that humanity remains safe from cosmic dangers.
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