NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has announced that two asteroids, 2020 GE and 2024 RO11, will pass by Earth on September 24, providing a rare chance for skywatchers to observe these celestial events. While these asteroids will come relatively close to our planet, they pose no threat.
NASA said that the smaller asteroid, 2020 GE, is approximately 26 feet in diameter, similar in size to a bus. It will pass about 410,000 miles from Earth, slightly beyond the Moon’s orbit. Although not visible to the naked eye, it can be observed with specialized telescopes.
Asteroid 2024 RO11, much larger at 120 feet in diameter, will pass at a distance of 4.58 million miles. Despite its larger size, it too will be invisible without advanced telescopic equipment.
Additionally, on September 25, another asteroid, 2024 RK7, measuring around 100 feet, will also safely pass Earth at a similarly large distance. These flybys offer a glimpse into the dynamic nature of our solar system, providing a unique opportunity for stargazing enthusiasts to observe these space rocks in motion.
While asteroids typically orbit the Sun in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, some venture close to Earth, giving astronomers the chance to study them. These upcoming events serve as a reminder of the solar system’s constant activity and the wonders of the night sky.