On September 14, 2024, Earth will experience a close approach from Asteroid 2024 RN16, passing within 1.6 million kilometers (approximately 1 million miles) of our planet. Meanwhile, astronomers on different parts of the globe are in harmony with the close approach of the NEO. Nonetheless, they said there’s no need for panicking as 2024 RN16 safely passes by Earth without posing any danger to it.

What is Asteroid 2024 RN16?

2024 RN16 is one of the many thousands of so-called Apollo asteroids, whose orbits cross Earth’s orbit around the Sun. The first-discovered member of the class, the 1862 Apollo, gives its name to such asteroids. This asteroid, estimated to be about 110 feet (33 meters) in diameter, is barreling at a speed of 104,761 kilometers per hour (65,087 mph) and will make a close but harmless approach today.

In astronomical standards, we consider this distance of 1.6 million kilometers relatively close. The scientists were interested in this asteroid because it was about four times farther from Earth than the Moon. Close flybys like this enable observation and study of the space rocks. 

NEO Monitoring: Why It’s Important

The Center for Near-Earth Object Studies at NASA follows examples of such objects, including the Apollo asteroid 2024 RN16. These orbits are followed because they can cross Earth’s orbit. If an asteroid this size fell into the atmosphere, it would release 16 megatons of energy in the form of TNT, thus creating a strong shockwave. Happily, these events are very rare-about once in 990 years.

However, NASA and other space agencies monitor NEOs using the latest technological gadgetry, including the Pan-STARRS and NEOWISE space telescopes, so we’ll always be ready in case one of these potentially hazardous objects comes our way. In the case of 2024 RN16, sophisticated observations and calculations ensure that the asteroid will sail past Earth harmlessly.

What If It Hit Earth?

Although 2024 RN16 will easily pass by Earth, scientists enjoy playing a game of what-if, imagining what would happen if an asteroid this large actually reached our planet. If it were to enter the atmosphere, it would likely explode at an altitude of about 29 kilometers above the ground, causing a great shockwave but no direct impact on the surface. An explosion of this size would have energies released as much as from a large nuclear bomb, capable of destruction over a large area. Fortunately, we are pretty ready for any potential hazard that might originate from space due to vigilance from the agencies. 

Conclusion

While asteroid 2024 RN16 is making a close approach today, it will pass by harmlessly. An event like this raises an awareness of how important continued monitoring of near-Earth objects is. In keeping tabs on asteroids and comets, NASA and other global space agencies do help in protecting Earth from any potential collision, thus always keeping us safe from the dangers of space.

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