NASA alerts of two asteroids approaching Earth: 2024 HK1 and 2024 JE. Here are all the details on sizes, speeds, and encounter distances of both space rocks.
Two asteroids, namely 2024 HK1 and 2024 JE, are closing towards Earth at alarming speeds.
This weekend promises a double dose of celestial events as not one, but two asteroids are scheduled to make close approaches to Earth. According to NASA, both asteroids belong to different groups and will approach Earth at different times and speeds. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what we know about these fascinating space rocks, including their sizes, speeds, and closest points of approach to our planet.
Asteroid 2024 HK1 – A Speedy Apollo Group Member
The first asteroid, named 2024 HK1, belongs to the Apollo group, known for their orbits that occasionally cross Earth’s path. This asteroid is estimated to be 99 feet (30.14 metres) in diameter, roughly the size of a commercial airplane. While not a planet-killer, it’s still a huge space rock. On May 4, 2024, at approximately 7:45 PM UTC, 2024 HK1 will zip by our planet at a blazing speed of 31,114 kilometres per hour (approximately 19,332 miles per hour). Thankfully, despite its speed, it will maintain a safe distance of 688,896 kilometres (428,000 miles) from Earth. That’s roughly 1.8 times the distance between Earth and the Moon!
Asteroid 2024 JE – A Slower Amor Object
The second asteroid, named 2024 JE, is classified as an Amor asteroid. Unlike Apollo group asteroids, Amors typically have orbits that stay entirely outside Earth’s orbit. 2024 JE is estimated to be 165 feet (50 metres) in diameter, making it larger than its counterpart. However, it will be traveling at a slower speed of 27,926 kilometres per hour (approximately 17,348 miles per hour) when it makes its closest approach on May 4, 2024, at 3:12 PM UTC. Despite its larger size, 2024 JE will pose even less danger than 2024 HK1, passing by at a safe distance of 5.29 million kilometers (3.29 million miles) from Earth.
NASA’s Monitoring Efforts
NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) is constantly tracking asteroids and comets that could potentially pose a threat to our planet. They define “potentially hazardous asteroids” as those larger than 460 feet (140 metres) that come within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometres) of Earth’s orbit. Thankfully, both 2024 HK1 and 2024 JE fall well outside this hazardous zone.
How Do We Track Asteroids?
CNEOS relies on data collected by observatories worldwide, with valuable contributions from amateur astronomers. This data helps determine the orbital paths of near-Earth objects. Additionally, powerful NASA-funded observatories like Pan-STARRS and NEOWISE play a crucial role in tracking these celestial bodies.
While the idea of asteroids zipping past our planet can be intriguing, there’s no cause for alarm. NASA’s detailed tracking systems ensure we have ample warning and knowledge about these celestial visitors. This weekend provides a great opportunity for space enthusiasts to look skyward, potentially even catching a glimpse of these asteroids with a telescope.
Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
