Asteroid speeding at 104,761 KMPH set for Earth encounter today, NASA reveals; Here's what you need to know

An asteroid named 2024 RN16 will make a close approach to Earth today, September 14, 2024, at 08:46 UTC (2:16 PM IST). This space rock, 110 feet wide and traveling at 104,761 km/h, will come within 1.6 million kilometers of Earth.

2024 RN16 belongs to a group of near-Earth objects called Apollo asteroids. These asteroids have orbits that cross Earth's path around the Sun, making close approaches possible. They are named after the first discovered asteroid of this group, 1862 Apollo. NASA monitors Apollo asteroids because of their potential to intersect with Earth’s orbit.

If an asteroid the size of 2024 RN16 were to hit Earth, the impact would be extremely destructive. It is estimated that if the asteroid entered Earth's atmosphere, it would explode 29 kilometers above the ground, releasing energy equivalent to 16 megatons of TNT. This explosion would cause a significant shockwave but would not cause a direct ground impact. Such an event is expected once every 990 years. Fortunately, 2024 RN16 will pass by Earth safely without causing any harm.

NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) monitors asteroids and comets to assess their impact risk. Data from worldwide observatories and amateur astronomers help track these objects' paths. The Minor Planet Center gathers this information, while programs like Pan-STARRS and NEOWISE provide detailed observations. Planetary radar systems like the Goldstone Solar System Radar help refine asteroid trajectories.

"With NASA’s vigilant monitoring, Earth remains protected from the dangers of space rocks like 2024 RN16," said a NASA spokesperson.

ISRO Warns of Asteroid Apophis: Potential Threat to Earth in 2029

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is also closely monitoring asteroid Apophis, which is expected to come very close to Earth on April 13, 2029. Named after the Egyptian God of Chaos, Apophis is larger than India's INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier and the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

ISRO's newly added planetary defense domain is tasked with protecting Earth from extraterrestrial threats. In a recent interview with NDTV, ISRO Chairman Dr. S Somanath stated, "A large asteroid strike is a real existential threat for humanity. ISRO is very alive to that threat and our Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) is monitoring Apophis very closely. After all, we have only one Earth to live on. India will cooperate with all nations to ward off this and other such future threats."

Discovered in 2004, Apophis has been tracked for its periodic close approaches to Earth. Its 2029 approach will bring it within 32,000 kilometers, closer than many geostationary satellites. While some studies suggest it may not impact Earth, its proximity raises concerns.

Past asteroid impacts, such as a meteor hitting Lonar in Maharashtra 500,000 years ago, highlight the potential dangers. A crater lake now marks the Lonar collision site. "ISRO will surely study the Apophis asteroid on its closest approach in 2029," Dr. Somanath added.

International space agencies are planning missions to study and potentially divert Apophis. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx, which returned samples from another asteroid, is being redirected to Apophis. The European Space Agency is also considering launching the Rapid Apophis Mission for Security and Safety (RAMSES) in 2028, with possible Indian collaboration.