Asterioid Watch: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has been tracking five asteroids that are set to make close approaches to Earth between July 28 and August 4, 2024. These celestial objects, though passing within close proximity in astronomical terms, pose no immediate threat to our planet. Asteroids are rocky remnants from the early formation of our solar system, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. These objects vary in size from tiny pebbles to hundreds of miles in diameter.


Here is a detailed look at each of the five asteroids and their trajectories JPL has its eyes on.


1. 523664 (2012 OD1)


The largest of the group, asteroid 523664 (2012 OD1), is estimated to be about 2,100 feet (approximately 640 metre) in diameter. This massive object was to pass Earth on July 28, 2024, at a distance of around 3.55 million miles (5.72 million kilometres). Despite its size, this distance is nearly 14 times the average distance between Earth and the Moon, ensuring it poses no danger to our planet. To put it in perspective, the distance between Earth and the Moon is around 2.39 lakh miles or 3.85 lakh kilometers.


2. 2024 NZ1


Following closely is asteroid 2024 NZ1, which is significantly smaller at approximately 180 feet (55 m) in diameter. Scheduled to make its closest approach on the same day as 2012 OD1, on July 28, 2024, NZ1 will be passing within 4.64 million miles (7.46 million kilometers) of Earth. This distance is roughly 20 times the lunar distance, maintaining a safe margin.


3. 2024 NS1


On August 2, 2024, asteroid 2024 NS1, with an estimated diameter of 150 feet (46 m), will approach Earth. It will be the closest of the five, coming within 1.26 million miles (2.2 million km), which is a little more than 5 times the distance from the Earth to the Moon. Although this is close in cosmic terms, it still keeps a safe distance.


4. 2020 PN1


Asteroid 2020 PN1, measuring about 90 feet (27 m) in diameter, is set to pass by Earth on August 2, 2024. The trajectory of this asteroid also ensures no threat to Earth, coming within 4.28 million miles (6.29 million km), which is nearly 18 times the lunar distance.


5. 2024 OC


The final asteroid, 2024 OC, is approaching towards Earth on August 4, 2024. This asteroid is approximately 410 feet (125 m) in diameter and will come within 4.61 million miles (7.42 million km) of our planet. This distance is more than 19 times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.



NASA Asteroid Watch Program


If an asteroid were to collide with Earth, the impact could have significant consequences, ranging from local damage to global effects depending on its size and speed. Smaller asteroids might cause regional destruction, while larger ones could lead to massive environmental changes, including fires, tsunamis, and a possible "impact winter" due to dust and debris blocking sunlight.


NASA’s ongoing asteroid watch program is part of a broader effort to track near-Earth objects (NEOs) that could potentially pose a threat to the planet. The data collected helps scientists better understand the dynamics of these celestial objects and refine our ability to predict their future paths. While none of the five asteroids mentioned above poses an immediate threat, continuous monitoring remains crucial for planetary defence and preparedness.