A large asteroid, approximately the size of a stadium, is scheduled to pass Earth on October 18. Named 2024 RV50, this asteroid measures about 710 feet across and will fly by at a distance of 4.6 million miles, posing no immediate danger to our planet, according to NASA.
Asteroids, or minor planets, orbit the Sun within our solar system and are remnants from its formation 4.6 billion years ago. Unlike planets, asteroids lack an atmosphere and vary in size and structure, with many remaining unchanged since their early formation.
NASA continuously monitors asteroid movements using advanced observation tools to predict potential risks to Earth. Historical events, such as the Chicxulub impact that led to the extinction of dinosaurs, underscore the importance of this monitoring.
NASA and other space agencies actively study potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs). While 2024 RV50 does not pose an immediate threat, its close approach provides valuable data for scientists, aiding in the refinement of prediction models for future encounters. Understanding asteroids is essential for protecting Earth from potential impacts.