Asteroid 2024 ON: A Quirky Cosmic Wanderer

A recently spotted asteroid, dubbed 2024 ON, has made waves in the astronomical community with its bizarre shape reminiscent of a quirky space peanut or a plump snowman. Stunning radar images captured by NASA's Goldstone Solar System Radar in California provide a closer look at this ancient cosmic wanderer just a day before it zipped past our planet.

Close Approach to Earth

On September 17, 2024 ON passed relatively close to Earth, at a distance of approximately 620,000 miles (1 million kilometers). New measurements from NASA indicate that this chunky asteroid measures around 1,150 feet (350 meters) in length. The radar images also unveiled bright patches on its surface, suggesting the presence of sizable boulders — a fascinating detail about its composition.

The Shape of 2024 ON

Asteroid 2024 ON is characterized as a contact binary, likely consisting of two spherical lobes connected by a narrow mount. This shape isn't unique; roughly 14% of near-Earth asteroids larger than 660 feet (200 meters) share a similar appearance. These contact binaries may have originally existed as two separate celestial bodies that drifted too close to one another, subsequently merging under their gravitational influence.

Recent Discoveries in Asteroid Studies

A recent development in asteroid studies came with the November 2023 revelation that the tiny moonlet Selam, orbiting the larger Dinkinesh asteroid, is also a contact binary. Information was obtained through NASA's Lucy spacecraft's successful flyby of their peculiar trio, showcasing the innovative ways scientists study these celestial bodies without direct contact.

Potential Threats and Monitoring

Despite being classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid, 2024 ON is not currently a threat to Earth. NASA defines potentially hazardous asteroids as any space rock coming within 4.65 million miles (7.5 million kilometers) of our planet, even when they pose no immediate danger. Monitoring these asteroids is crucial as minuscule changes in their paths could create collision risks in the future.

Importance of Radar Observations

Scientists have emphasized the importance of these radar observations, stating that they significantly enhance our understanding of 2024 ON's distance from Earth and its trajectory over many decades. The last close approach this odd-shaped asteroid had with Earth was back in 2013, and it is anticipated to revisit our cosmic neighborhood in 2035.

Conclusion

These encounters not only give scientists vital data about asteroids, but they also present an opportunity to study their peculiar shapes and compositions, fueling our curiosity about the vastness of the universe. Stay tuned for more astonishing discoveries from the depths of space!