In a stunning cosmic revelation, recently discovered asteroid 2024 ON — a massive peanut-shaped rock — sped past Earth on September 17 at a blistering 19,842 miles per hour (31,933 kilometers per hour). Measuring an impressive 1,150 feet (350 meters) in length, this gigantic celestial body is classified as a potentially hazardous object, due to its size and proximity to our planet.

What sets 2024 ON apart from other asteroids is its unique formation; scientists confirmed that it is actually two rocks that fused together, resembling a snowman with a distinct head and body. This unusual structure features a noticeable dip at the middle, marking the connection point between the two lobes, one of which is approximately 50% larger than the other.

But fear not! The asteroid zipped by safely, maintaining a comfortable distance of 620,000 miles (1 million kilometers) from Earth. To put that into perspective, that’s over 2.5 times the average distance from the Earth to the Moon. However, if it had collided with our planet, the consequences could have been catastrophic, considering its skyscraper-like size.

Intriguingly, scientists utilizing the Goldstone Solar System Radar in California have observed that the surface of 2024 ON is likely dotted with large boulders. Bright radar spots detected on the asteroid suggest the presence of these massive rocks, hinting at a complex and intriguing surface.

The classification of 2024 ON as a contact binary is becoming increasingly common among nearby asteroids. In fact, at least 14% of all near-Earth asteroids larger than 660 feet belong to this category. One of the most notable examples is Selam, a moonlet orbiting asteroid Dinkinesh, discovered earlier this year by the Lucy spacecraft.

As NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory reminds us, while this asteroid is classified as potentially hazardous, there is no immediate threat to Earth. Scientists have significantly reduced uncertainties regarding its trajectory and distance from our planet over the coming decades.

Stay tuned for more surprising revelations from outer space, as astronomers continue to study these cosmic wonders that dwell in our celestial neighborhood!