In an extraordinary cosmic spectacle that some are calling an early Christmas gift, a large asteroid resembling a snowman recently made a safe pass by Earth. Named 2024 ON, this fascinating celestial object was found to be a combination of two smaller asteroids that merged over time, resulting in a unique peanut shape.

On September 17, 2023, 2024 ON swooped past our planet at an astounding speed of 19,842 mph (31,933 kph)—about 26 times faster than the speed of sound. This impressive asteroid spans approximately 1,150 feet (350 meters) in length, comparable to the height of a skyscraper. Fortunately, it flew by at a safe distance of around 620,000 miles (1 million kilometers), which is more than 2.5 times the average space between the Earth and the moon.

The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory has classified 2024 ON as a ‘potentially hazardous’ asteroid; however, they reassured us that it poses no danger to Earth in the foreseeable future. Thanks to enhanced observations from the Goldstone Solar System Radar in California, scientists have managed to refine their predictions regarding the asteroid's future path and proximity to our planet for many years to come.

Recent radar images have revealed that the asteroid's structure consists of two distinct lobes separated by a noticeable neck, with one side being approximately 50% larger than the other. These unique features are likely the result of the two asteroids becoming gravitationally bound, ultimately merging into a single entity. Interestingly, bright spots on the surface of 2024 ON hint at the presence of large boulders, adding to the complexities of its geology.

Such binational asteroid formations are known as 'contact binaries', and estimates suggest that about 14% of near-Earth asteroids larger than 660 feet (200 meters) fall into this category. One of the most notable examples is Selam, a moonlet that orbits the near-Earth asteroid Dinkinesh—significantly revealed by NASA's Lucy spacecraft earlier this year.

Despite being labelled as 'potentially hazardous'—a term that applies to any asteroid within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometers) of Earth’s orbit—2024 ON is merely drifting through space and has no imminent threat to our planet.

Moreover, astronomers have been busy cataloging over 60 asteroids that have made their way between Earth and the moon this year alone. In addition, advancements in AI algorithms combined with citizen science initiatives are unearthing tens of thousands more hidden space rocks from the main asteroid belt, located between Mars and Jupiter.

In an exciting astronomical event set for later this fall, another asteroid named 2024 PT5 will temporarily become Earth's second moon. This 33-foot-long (10-meter) asteroid is slated to follow a horseshoe trajectory around Earth from September 29 to November 25, 2023, before being pulled back into its usual path around the sun in the Arjuna asteroid belt. Mark your calendars because this celestial dance is a sight you won't want to miss!

With the wonders of our universe consistently astounding us, who knows what other surprises await us in the grand cosmic expanse?