On Saturday morning, an asteroid named 2024 MK, about the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, passed very close to Earth. Events like this remind us of the importance of monitoring these giants of the cosmos.
THE asteroids passing close to Earth often raise concerns and remind us of our place in the universe. For example, in February 2024, the asteroid 2008 OS7, similar in size to a football stadium, made a safe pass near our planet, accurately captured by NASA’s advanced radars. This type of event reminds us of the importance of watch these giantsalthough recent studies reassure that there is no risk of major impact for the next 1000 years.
This Saturday, June 29, an asteroid from the size of the Great Pyramid from Giza in Egypt, identified as 2024 MK, passed between the Earth and the Moon. Discovered only two weeks previously, it came within approximately 290,000 km from our planet. If that doesn’t mean anything to you, tell yourself that it’s only three-quarters of the average distance between our planet and the Moon.
Asteroid 2024 MK passed between Earth and the Moon this Saturday
Although 2024 MK posed no immediate risk of collision, its proximity is a reminder of the potential threat from space objects. By comparison, asteroid 2011 UL21, which passed by on Thursday, was 4.1 million miles (6.6 million kilometers) from Earth. Yet even at that distance, it is closely monitored by astronomers due to its imposing size, comparable to that of Mount Everest.
THE impacts asteroids can have devastating consequences. In 2013, a small asteroid exploded over Siberia, injuring more than a thousand people. An impact of 2024 MK, estimated to be between 146 and 240 meters in diameter, would have a energy equivalent to that of several atomic bombsAsteroid Day, celebrated Sunday, commemorates the Tunguska event in 1908, when a similar explosion destroyed a vast forest area in Siberia. NASA and other space agencies continually monitor these objects to prevent similar events in the future.
Asteroid 2024 MK, although classified as potentially hazardous due to its size and orbit that crossed that of Earth, does not pose a threat. However, it reminds us of the importance of vigilance and preparation for potential dangers from space. Technological advances, such as NASA’s DART mission, show that humanity is actively preparing to deflect future asteroids if necessary.
