Asteroid Racing Towards Earth at 104,761 KMPH Today, Reveals NASA | Key Details

Today, September 14, 2024, at 08:46 UTC (2:16 PM IST), an asteroid designated 2024 RN16 will make a tably close approach to Earth. Traveling at a staggering speed of 104,761 km/h, this asteroid, measuring 110 feet in diameter, will come within approximately 1.6 million kilometers of our planet.

Asteroid 2024 RN16 is classified as an Apollo asteroid, a group kwn for ir orbits that intersect Earth's path around Sun. se asteroids are named after 1862 Apollo, first discovered asteroid in this category. Due to ir potential to cross Earth's orbit, NASA keeps a vigilant eye on se rocks.

If an asteroid of this size were to impact Earth, consequences would be severe. Should 2024 RN16 enter our atmosphere, it would likely explode about 29 kilometers above surface, releasing energy equivalent to 16 megatons of TNT. This explosion would create a significant shockwave but would t directly impact ground. Such an event is estimated to occur once every 990 years. Fortunately, today's asteroid will pass by Earth safely, without posing any threat.

NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) continuously monitors asteroids and comets to assess potential impact risks. data collected from global observatories and amateur astromers are crucial for tracking se objects. Mir Planet Center consolidates this information, while programs like Pan-STARRS and NEOWISE offer detailed observations. Additionally, planetary radar systems, such as Goldstone Solar System Radar, help refine trajectories of se rocks.

“With NASA’s vigilant monitoring, Earth remains protected from dangers of rocks like 2024 RN16,” said a NASA spokesperson.