An asteroid named 2024 RN16 will make a close approach to Earth today, September 14, 2024, at 08:46 UTC (2:16 PM IST). This space rock, 110 feet wide and traveling at 104,761 km/h, will come within 1.6 million kilometers of Earth.
2024 RN16 belongs to a group of near-Earth objects called Apollo asteroids. These asteroids have orbits that cross Earth’s path around the Sun, making close approaches possible. They are named after the first discovered asteroid of this group, 1862 Apollo. NASA monitors Apollo asteroids because of their potential to intersect with Earth’s orbit.
If an asteroid the size of 2024 RN16 were to hit Earth, the impact would be extremely destructive. It is estimated that if the asteroid entered Earth’s atmosphere, it would explode 29 kilometers above the ground, releasing energy equivalent to 16 megatons of TNT. This explosion would cause a significant shockwave but would not cause a direct ground impact. Such an event is expected once every 990 years. Fortunately, 2024 RN16 will pass by Earth safely without causing any harm.
NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) monitors asteroids and comets to assess their impact risk. Data from worldwide observatories and amateur astronomers help track these objects’ paths. The Minor Planet Center gathers this information, while programs like Pan-STARRS and NEOWISE provide detailed observations. Planetary radar systems like the Goldstone Solar System Radar help refine asteroid trajectories.
“With NASA’s vigilant monitoring, Earth remains protected from the dangers of space rocks like 2024 RN16,” said a NASA spokesperson.
