Asteroid Warning on Christmas Eve: 120-Foot Space Rock Heading Toward Earth
Measuring 120 feet in size, this asteroid will safely pass Earth on December 24, at a distance of 4.48 million miles.
Asteroid Threat
Scientists are closely monitoring asteroid 2024 XN1, which is set to pass Earth on December 24. This asteroid, approximately 120 feet in size, will fly by at a safe distance of 4.48 million miles—about 16 times farther than the Moon. Traveling at an impressive speed of 14,743 miles per hour, the event is considered a "near miss" with no risk to Earth.
Despite the absence of any threat, the passage of asteroid 2024 XN1 provides valuable insights into the early solar system. NASA is using advanced tracking technology to monitor its path, emphasizing the importance of planetary defense efforts. This asteroid is the largest of the next five to pass near Earth and is closely tracked by NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard, which tracks objects making close approaches.
The Asteroid Watch dashboard provides real-time data on the size, proximity, and encounter dates of asteroids, helping the public stay informed about space rocks. While there is no threat from 2024 XN1 or the other upcoming asteroids, monitoring such objects is crucial for future planetary defense.
