NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has identified five asteroids—2024 SY5, 2024 RJ32, 2024 SL3, 2024 SZ1, and 2023 GM1—heading towards Earth. Although none pose a risk of impact, their close approaches offer scientists a unique opportunity to study near-Earth objects and learn more about the origins of the Universe.
The first asteroid, 2024 SY5, is about 9 meters in size, similar to a bus, and will pass Earth at a safe distance of 1,640,000 kilometers, roughly 4.3 times the average distance between the Earth and the Moon. This close flyby allows scientists to observe the asteroid and improve planetary defense systems.
The second asteroid, 2024 RJ32, is 40 meters wide, about the size of an airplane, and will pass at a distance of 2,930,000 kilometers, or 7.6 times the Earth-Moon distance. Despite its larger size, this approach remains safe, and the asteroid presents a valuable opportunity for researchers to study its characteristics and orbit.
The third asteroid, 2024 SL3, measures 19 meters, the size of a house, and will pass at a distance of 3,130,000 kilometers, approximately 8.1 times the Earth-Moon distance. It will safely pass by Earth.
The fourth asteroid, 2024 SZ1, is 34 meters wide, comparable to an airplane, and will pass at a distance of 4,210,000 kilometers (11 times the Earth-Moon distance). Lastly, the smallest of the five, 2023 GM1, measures 12 meters and will pass from a distance of 5,900,000 kilometers.
Asteroids, also called minor planets, are remnants from the solar system’s formation over four billion years ago. NASA uses these near-Earth approaches to study asteroids and improve tracking and mitigation strategies for future potential threats.
