An asteroid, approximately the size of a bridge, flew past the surface of Earth on Tuesday, June 11. Named 2024 CR9 by NASA, the celestial object moved toward the proximity of our planet at a speed that no vehicle on Earth can ever surpass.
An estimated speed of the space rock specified at NASA’s JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) website suggests it was traveling at approximately 26,561 kilometers per hour. It is also suggested that asteroid 2024 CR9 whipped past safely within 4.58 million miles of Earth. The approximate size of the celestial object is reported to be 1400 feet.
Though asteroid 2024 CR9’s approach was suggested potentially hazardous, it flew past at a safe distance with no risk of impact. It wasn’t a cosmic threat but the event has left space lovers intrigued.
Potentieel gevaarlijke asteroïde #2024CR9 pic.twitter.com/aZuJyJ5zqJ — Marijke Louise (@MarijkeLouisevd) June 10, 2024
Surprisingly, asteroid 2024 CR9 wasn’t the only space rock to make a close approach toward Earth on Tuesday. Asteroid 2024 LD, a celestial object the size of an airplane whipped past our planet on the same day. With an approximate size of 67 feet, its approach was within 2.88 million miles of Earth. In addition to this, asteroid LV2 approximately 240 feet also had a close Earth approach of 2.93 million miles.
On Wednesday and Friday, two more space rocks will move closer toward Earth. Named asteroid 2022 XCL and 2024 LZ2, the former is said to be the size of a house, while the latter is another airplane-sized celestial object.
NASA assures the space rocks pose no threat to Earth.
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