NASA Alert: Five Asteroids to Pass Close to Earth Today

Summary:
NASA is tracking five asteroids passing Earth on December 11, 2024. While they pose no threat, they present valuable opportunities for scientific study. The asteroids vary in size, ranging from 20 feet to 811 feet, and will pass at distances between 735,000 miles and 4.3 million miles. These flybys help scientists better understand near-Earth objects.

On December 11, 2024, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is monitoring five asteroids that will approach Earth. While none of these celestial bodies pose any risk, they present excellent opportunities for scientific exploration.

1. Asteroid 2018 XU3

– Dimensions: 811 feet (about the size of a large airplane)
– Closest Approach: 4 million miles
– Significance: The largest asteroid in the group, it offers a unique chance to study its composition and movement.

2. Asteroid 2024 XZ11

– Dimensions: 71 feet
– Closest Approach: 2.1 million miles
– Significance: Though smaller, this asteroid still provides valuable data for scientific research.

3. Asteroid 2024 XL11

– Dimensions: 20 feet
– Closest Approach: 735,000 miles
– Significance: Despite being the smallest, this asteroid is an interesting subject for study.

4. Asteroid 2024 XK1

– Dimensions: 31 feet (similar to the size of a bus)
– Closest Approach: 1.16 million miles
– Significance: Its proximity allows scientists to gather detailed information.

5. Asteroid 2024 WB14

– Dimensions: 86 feet (roughly airplane-sized)
– Closest Approach: 4.3 million miles
– Significance: Another large asteroid providing insight into its behavior and structure.

NASA continues to track these asteroids, improving our understanding of near-Earth objects and reinforcing planetary defense efforts.