Two Asteroids to Safely Pass Earth Today, NASA Confirms

NASA has confirmed that two massive asteroids, 2024 XY5 and 2024 XB6, will safely pass by Earth today, December 16th, posing no imminent threat. These close encounters underscore the importance of monitoring asteroids to understand their origins and potential impact on our planet.

Asteroid 2024 XY5
The larger of the two, 2024 XY5, measures 71 feet across and will make its closest approach at 12:26 AM IST. Traveling at 10,805 miles per hour, it will pass Earth at a distance of approximately 2,180,000 miles—16 times farther than the Moon. Scientists have confirmed it poses no danger.

Asteroid 2024 XB6
Slightly smaller, asteroid 2024 XB6 is 56 feet in diameter and traveling at a remarkable speed of 14,780 miles per hour. It will pass Earth at a safe distance of about 4,150,000 miles.

Asteroids like these are remnants of the early solar system, formed 4.6 billion years ago. By studying them, scientists can uncover vital clues about the formation of Earth and the history of the universe. Events such as the asteroid impact that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs highlight the importance of tracking these celestial objects.