111-ft Asteroid Moving Towards Earth At 17,339 KMPH: Check Date, Time And Distance

An asteroid named 2024 JC1, part of the Apollo group, is making its way towards Earth. This space rock, measuring approximately 111 feet (34.02 metres) in diameter, is hurtling through space at an alarming speed of 17,339 kilometres per hour. While the asteroid is coming closer to our planet, it will still maintain a safe distance during its closest approach.

The closest encounter is set to occur on June 1, 2024, at 05:44 UTC (11:14 AM IST). At that moment, 2024 JC1 will be 5.7 million kilometres away from Earth. To put this into perspective, that’s roughly 15 times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.

Near-Earth objects (NEOs) like 2024 JC1 are frequently monitored by astronomers. These objects typically have orbits that don’t bring them dangerously close to our planet. However, a small subset, known as potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs), requires closer observation. PHAs are defined as asteroids larger than about 460 feet (140 metres) with orbits that bring them within 7.5 million kilometres of Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Though 2024 JC1 is not large enough to be classified as a PHA, it still garners interest due to its close approach.

The data on 2024 JC1’s orbit comes from the Minor Planet Center, a global hub for tracking small celestial bodies. This information is gathered by observatories worldwide, including contributions from amateur astronomers. Nonetheless, the bulk of asteroid-tracking data comes from major NASA-funded observatories such as Pan-STARRS, the Catalina Sky Survey, and the NEOWISE mission. In the near future, the NEO Surveyor will join these efforts. Additionally, NASA’s NEO Observations Program relies on planetary radar projects, including the Goldstone Solar System Radar Group, to monitor these space rocks.

While 2024 JC1’s upcoming flyby is an exciting event for astronomers and space enthusiasts, it poses no threat to Earth. These diligent monitoring efforts ensure that any potential risks from near-Earth objects are assessed and managed, keeping our planet safe from unexpected cosmic visitors.