A colossal asteroid, comparable in size to a towering New York skyscraper, is set to make a heart-stoppingly close pass by our planet in a celestial event that has astronomers and space enthusiasts on high alert.
Designated as 2024 MK, the space rock is estimated to measure between 120 and 260 metres in diameter. At its closest approach, it will soar past Earth at a distance of approximately 184,000 miles (295,000 km)—closer than the Moon's average orbit and a mere stone's throw in cosmic terms.
A Close Shave in Cosmic Terms
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has been meticulously tracking the asteroid's trajectory, confirming there is zero risk of impact. Despite its classification as a 'Potentially Hazardous Asteroid' due to its size and proximity, this flyby is a spectacular show of near misses rather than an impending disaster.
The asteroid will be travelling at a staggering speed of over 21,000 miles per hour (34,000 km/h) as it whizzes by. For seasoned stargazers in the Southern Hemisphere, there's a chance to witness this fleeting visitor with a telescope just before its closest approach.
The Catalina Sky Connection
Adding to the drama, this celestial near-miss comes just days after Asteroid Day, an annual event commemorating the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia—a stark reminder of the destructive power a large asteroid impact can unleash.
2024 MK itself was only discovered on June 16th by the NASA-funded Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona, highlighting both our advancing capabilities in planetary defence and the constant vigilance required to monitor the vastness of space for potential threats.
While this particular visitor poses no danger, its close passage serves as a thrilling and sobering reminder of our dynamic solar system and the importance of continued investment in asteroid detection and tracking programs.
