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Asteroid 2024 GJ2 Makes Close But Harmless Pass by Earth
An asteroid recently discovered on April 9, known as 2024 GJ2, will be making an extraordinarily close approach to planet Earth on April 11. Despite its proximity, this asteroid poses no danger to our planet.
Measuring approximately the size of a car, 2024 GJ2 falls within the range of 2.5 to 5 meters (8.2 to 16 feet) in diameter, according to data provided by the European Space Agency (ESA). This size classification indicates that the asteroid would have disintegrated upon entering Earth’s atmosphere if its trajectory had intersected with ours more directly.
Closest Approach Details
At 2:28:42 p.m. EDT (18:28:42 GMT) on Thursday, 2024 GJ2 is expected to pass by Earth at a distance of 7,641 miles (12,298 kilometers). This remarkably close encounter will provide astronomers and space enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to observe the asteroid’s journey without any immediate risk.
Looking ahead to the future, experts predict that the next closest flyby of 2024 GJ2 will occur in the year 2093. However, this upcoming encounter will not come nearly as close as the one unfolding today. The anticipated distance for the 2093 approach is estimated at 127,970 miles (205,947 kilometers), which is more than 10 times greater than the distance of today’s flyby and just slightly over half the average Earth-moon distance.
Significance of 2024 GJ2
Among the vast catalog of nearly 35,000 near-Earth asteroids maintained by NASA, only a small fraction represent potential hazards to our planet. 2024 GJ2 serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for monitoring and tracking these celestial bodies to ensure the safety of Earth and its inhabitants.
Stay informed on all breaking space news, including updates on rocket launches, upcoming skywatching events, and more. The mysteries of the universe continue to unfold before our eyes, offering an endless source of fascination and discovery.
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