# A Stadium-Sized Asteroid Will Pass Close to Earth This Week
A potentially dangerous asteroid, roughly the size of a sports stadium, is scheduled to make a close approach to Earth this week. Designated as **2024 ON**, this asteroid is estimated to measure about **290 meters (950 feet)** in diameter. Although it is quite large, it presents no immediate threat to our planet, as it will pass at a safe distance of nearly **1 million kilometers** from Earth, per information from **NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)**.
## Insights on Asteroid 2024 ON
The asteroid 2024 ON is presently under observation by the **Virtual Telescope Project**, an international network of telescopes dedicated to tracking near-Earth objects (NEOs). This asteroid has conducted prior close encounters with Earth, the latest of which took place in **2013**. Another pass is anticipated in **2035**, but for now, it is set to glide past Earth on **Tuesday, September 17, 2024**.
Traveling at a velocity of **40,000 kilometers per hour**, 2024 ON is quite swift, yet it will remain at a distance approximately **2.6 times further than the Moon’s orbit**. This separation guarantees that the asteroid won’t collide with Earth, despite being labeled as a “potentially hazardous” object due to its significant size and relative proximity.
## Reasons for Classifying 2024 ON as Hazardous
Asteroids are deemed “potentially hazardous” based on their dimensions and how close they approach Earth. For 2024 ON, its considerable size—**99 percent larger than most near-Earth objects (NEOs)**—is noteworthy. Nonetheless, despite its hazardous classification, the asteroid will traverse Earth at a secure distance, indicating no immediate risk of impact.
NASA’s **Near-Earth Object Observation Program** oversees the tracking of asteroids like 2024 ON. This initiative deploys a global network of observatories to detect and monitor NEOs, ensuring that any possible threats are recognized well ahead of time.
## A Cosmic Dual Event: Asteroid and Lunar Eclipse
Notably, the asteroid’s flyby aligns with another astronomical phenomenon: a **partial lunar eclipse**. This event will take place during the **Harvest Moon**, which is also a **supermoon**—a full moon that appears larger and brighter due to its closeness to Earth. The combination of the asteroid’s passage and the lunar eclipse promises a thrilling evening of stargazing on **September 17**.
Though the asteroid will be too far away to observe with the naked eye, telescope users might be able to spot it as it speeds past Earth. However, its rapid motion could pose challenges for amateur astronomers trying to track it.
## Near-Earth Objects: A Frequent Event
Asteroids like 2024 ON frequently pass by Earth. While their sizes and distances vary, NASA and other space agencies vigilantly monitor these objects to ensure that any potential threats are detected early. To date, NASA has located over **32,000 near-Earth asteroids** through its observation initiatives, with new ones continually being discovered.
Even though 2024 ON exceeds the size of most NEOs, its safe passage underscores the significance of ongoing asteroid monitoring endeavors. These initiatives assist scientists in comprehending the dynamics of our solar system and ensure we are ready for any potential future asteroid threats.
## Conclusion
While the notion of a stadium-sized asteroid approaching Earth may seem concerning, **2024 ON** poses no risk to our planet. Its flyby, combined with the partial lunar eclipse, presents a unique chance for sky enthusiasts to experience two celestial occurrences in one night. As NASA and other organizations persist in monitoring near-Earth objects, we can be confident that any potential dangers will be identified well in advance.
So, if you’re an astronomy enthusiast, be sure to step outside on **Tuesday night** to appreciate the **supermoon** and, if fortunate, catch a glimpse of **2024 ON** as it glides past Earth.
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**Sources:**
– NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
– Virtual Telescope Project
– Independent
