The conclusion of 2024 marked not only the end of a calendar year but also an extraordinary celestial phenomenon. On December 31, 2024, at 9:17 AM IST, a 53-foot-wide asteroid made a close pass by Earth. This event was of immense scientific importance and represented an exhilarating moment for humanity, highlighting the marvels of space exploration.

The Trajectory of Asteroid ‘2024 AV2’

Designated ‘2024 AV2’ by astronomers, the asteroid traversed at an incredible velocity of 28,227 kilometers per hour. When it approached, it was at a distance of approximately 2,580,000 kilometers from Earth. This distance, roughly 6.7 times greater than the average space between Earth and the Moon, may appear substantial to the casual observer. Nevertheless, in the realm of astronomy, this proximity is classified as a "close encounter."

Importance of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs)

Asteroid ‘2024 AV2’ is categorized as a Near-Earth Object (NEO), which refers to celestial entities whose orbits bring them into proximity with Earth. According to NASA, the examination of NEOs is vital for assessing potential risks to our planet. Fortunately, this specific asteroid posed no danger to Earth.NASA categorizes asteroids as hazardous if they exceed 492 feet in size and approach within 7.5 million kilometers of Earth. In contrast, ‘2024 AV2’, measuring only 53 feet, is classified as relatively small and harmless.

NASA's Monitoring and Planetary Defense Initiatives

Asteroids like ‘2024 AV2’ are rigorously monitored by NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) and the Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO). The PDCO is dedicated to the detection and tracking of celestial bodies greater than 140 meters, forecasting their trajectories, and evaluating potential risks. These initiatives aim to enhance preparedness for future interactions and reduce the likelihood of potential collisions.

A Dramatic Event in Russia

A similar astronomical occurrence was documented in Russia previously. A small asteroid penetrated Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in a stunning fireball in the sky. Scientists successfully traced the asteroid’s path just 12 hours before its atmospheric entry. Notably, the entry was predicted with a remarkable accuracy of just 10 seconds. Upon atmospheric entry, the asteroid fragmented into smaller pieces, dispersing across the sky.

Exploring Celestial Phenomena

Occurrences like these present new opportunities for humanity to deepen its understanding of celestial science and planetary defense. They provide valuable insights into the complexities of the solar system and the dynamics of its celestial bodies.