A snowman-shaped asteroid tumbles past Earth at incredible speed
On September 17, 2024, a fascinating asteroid called 2024 ON zoomed past Earth, giving scientists a rare view of a snowman-shaped space rock. Although the object was classified as a potentially dangerous asteroid due to its proximity to our planet, it posed no immediate threat and passed safely at a distance of 1000,000 kilometers.
Radar images taken by NASA’s Goldstone Solar System Radar in California revealed the asteroid’s unique structure. The asteroid, about 350 meters long, consists of two different lobes, with one lobe about 50% larger than the other. This unusual shape, which resembles a snowman, is known as a ‘contact binary star’: a phenomenon that occurs when two smaller asteroids merge due to gravity.
A quick trip
Asteroid 2024 ON traveled at a staggering speed of 19,842 mph (31,933 km/h) as it passed by Earth, about 26 times the speed of sound. Despite its size and speed, the asteroid posed no risk to our planet as it traveled more than 2.5 times the distance between Earth and the moon.
Although classified as potentially hazardous, recent measurements have allowed scientists to predict the asteroid’s future trajectory with high accuracy. As a result, 2024 ON is not expected to pose any danger to Earth for decades to come, which provides reassurance despite the dangerous label.
The prevalence of contact binary asteroids
Asteroids like 2024 ON, known as contact binaries, make up an estimated 14% of near-Earth asteroids larger than 200 meters. One of the best-known contact binaries is Selam, a small moon orbiting the asteroid Dinkinesh. Such asteroids provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of celestial bodies in our solar system.
While space organizations continue to do so observe objects near Earth, radar and other tracking technologies allow for better predictions and understanding of their behavior. In fact, by 2024, more than 60 asteroids have passed between Earth and the moon, thanks to increased observation efforts using AI-powered algorithms.
Although the recent visit of asteroid 2024 ON generated interest due to its snowman-like appearance, it reminds us of the importance of continuously monitoring asteroids. Fortunately, without any immediate threat, we can appreciate the cosmic beauty and scientific insights it offers without worrying about Earth’s safety.
