On Saturday morning, an asteroid named 2024 MK, about the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, passed very close to Earth. Events like this remind us of the importance of monitoring these giants of the cosmos.
THE asteroids passing close to earth often cause concern and remind us of our place in the universe. For example, in February 2024, asteroid 2008 OS7, about the size of a football stadium, made a safe pass near our planet, captured precisely by NASA’s advanced radars. Such events are a reminder of the importance of watch these giantsalthough recent studies reassure us that there is no risk of a major impact over the next 1000 years.
This Saturday, June 29, an asteroid from the size of the Great Pyramid from Giza in Egypt, identified as 2024 MKpassed between the Earth and the Moon. Discovered only two weeks earlier, it came within about 290,000 km from our planet. If that doesn’t ring a bell, consider that it’s only three-quarters of the average distance between our planet and the Moon.
Asteroid 2024 MK passed between Earth and the Moon this Saturday
Although 2024 MK posed no immediate risk of collision, its proximity is a reminder of the potential threat from space objects. By comparison, asteroid 2011 UL21, which passed by on Thursday, was 4.1 million miles (6.6 million kilometers) from Earth. Yet even at that distance, it is closely monitored by astronomers because of its imposing size, comparable to that of Mount Everest.
THE impacts asteroids can have devastating consequences. In 2013, a small asteroid exploded over Siberia, injuring over a thousand people. An impact of 2024 MK, estimated to be between 146 and 240 meters in diameter, would have a energy equivalent to that of several atomic bombsAsteroid Day, celebrated Sunday, commemorates the Tunguska event in 1908, when a similar explosion destroyed a vast forest area in Siberia. NASA and other space agencies continually monitor these objects to prevent similar events in the future.
Asteroid 2024 MK, although classified as potentially hazardous due to its size and orbit that crossed that of Earth, does not pose a threat. However, it reminds us of the importance of vigilance and preparation for potential dangers from space. Technological advances, such as NASA’s DART mission, show that humanity is actively preparing to deflect future asteroids if necessary.