Asteroid 2024 ON, approximately 720 feet (220 meters) in diameter, is set to safely pass by Earth today, September 17, 2024. The space rock will come within 997,793 kilometers of our planet—roughly 2.5 times the distance between the Earth and the Moon. While its proximity is considered safe by NASA, the asteroid’s speed, clocking in at a swift 40,233 km/h, raises some interest among astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. Despite its rapid approach, experts assure there is no immediate cause for concern, but it offers a rare and intriguing event for those interested in the vast cosmos.

Discovery and Tracking of Asteroid 2024 ON

The asteroid was first spotted by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) Sky Survey on July 27, 2024. Since then, it has become a subject of close monitoring by NASA’s Near-Earth Object (NEO) Observations Program, which tracks potentially hazardous asteroids and comets. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, is using advanced optical telescopes to study the asteroid’s composition, shape, and size in greater detail.

This rare opportunity allows scientists to gather important data, which may contribute to understanding more about near-Earth objects (NEOs). These studies are vital in advancing the science of asteroid detection and mitigation, which is a significant focus of NASA’s efforts to keep Earth safe from potential asteroid threats.

How to Watch Asteroid 2024 ON

For space enthusiasts eager to witness this cosmic event, the asteroid’s close approach will be live-streamed on Virtual Telescope’s WebTV (virtualtelescope.eu/webtv) on September 15, starting at 19:30 UTC (1:00 AM September 16). This live-streamed event will allow people across the globe to get a close-up view of the asteroid’s passage as it sails by Earth at a safe distance.

While most people may not notice anything different in the night sky, the live-stream will provide a unique opportunity to experience this asteroid flyby from the comfort of their homes.

NASA’s Planetary Defense and Future Encounters

NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) is also keeping a close watch on 2024 ON. While the asteroid poses no threat to Earth, NASA’s PDCO is prepared to track and deflect space rocks, if needed. The PDCO collaborates with agencies worldwide to ensure that the Earth is protected from potentially hazardous asteroids. In the case of 2024 ON, no action will be required, but the flyby serves as a critical opportunity to practice and refine monitoring techniques.

According to a report by the JPL Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), similar close asteroid encounters occur roughly once every decade. These periodic flybys provide valuable data and reminders of the importance of planetary defense research.

A Cosmic Event Worth Noting

Although asteroid 2024 ON is passing at a safe distance from Earth, its flyby serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system. Events like this provide scientists and enthusiasts alike with opportunities to learn more about the many objects that share our cosmic neighborhood. With NASA, JPL, and PDCO closely tracking this and other NEOs, we can all look forward to learning more about the potential hazards and wonders of our ever-changing universe.

For now, space enthusiasts can tune in and witness this close encounter, a rare chance to observe one of space’s fascinating travelers passing by Earth.