NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is closely tracking five asteroids set to pass by Earth in late September 2024. While none of these asteroids pose any threat to the planet, their proximity provides a unique opportunity for scientific research and observation. The asteroids—identified as 2020 GE, 2024 RO11, 2024 RK7, 2024 RW25, and 2024 RP15—will each pass at a safe distance, but their sizes and speeds make them noteworthy.

Asteroid 2020 GE: Measuring about 26 feet in width, this bus-sized asteroid will safely pass Earth at a distance of 410,000 kilometers on September 24, 2024, which is even farther than the Moon.

Asteroid 2024 RO11: This 120-foot-wide object, roughly the size of an airplane, will pass Earth at a distance of 4,580,000 kilometers on the same day, September 24, 2024. Despite its size, it poses no risk.

Asteroid 2024 RK7: Also around the size of an airplane, this 100-foot-wide asteroid will make its closest approach on September 25, 2024, passing by Earth at a safe distance of 4,230,000 kilometers.

Asteroid 2024 RW25: Slightly smaller, this 82-foot-wide asteroid will pass Earth at a distance of 3,830,000 kilometers on September 27, 2024.

Asteroid 2024 RP15: At 93 feet wide, this asteroid is comparable in size to a commercial airplane. It will pass by Earth at a distance of 4,180,000 kilometers on September 27, 2024.

Though these asteroids are relatively close by astronomical standards, they will all pass at safe distances. JPL continues to monitor their movements carefully, underscoring the importance of ongoing space surveillance and the study of celestial objects. These encounters provide valuable data that help scientists refine asteroid tracking technology and enhance our understanding of near-Earth objects.