Last month, asteroid 2024 MK, larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza, passed between Earth and the moon at a speed of over 21,000 mph. This close encounter allowed astronomers to capture the first images of the asteroid, showing that Earth’s gravity had slightly altered its orbit around the sun. The asteroid, which is about 500 feet across, was first detected on June 16 by the ATLAS system in South Africa and reached its closest point to Earth on June 29, passing by at a distance of 184,000 miles. NASA’s Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex used radar to monitor the flyby and create images of the asteroid’s surface.
The new observations revealed that the asteroid’s trajectory has changed, likely due to Earth’s gravitational pull during the flyby. While the asteroid’s orbit has been altered, NASA assures that it does not pose a threat to Earth in the foreseeable future. Originally scheduled to make its next close approach in 3037, the altered trajectory may bring it closer to Earth sooner than expected, although the exact distance remains uncertain.
In addition to asteroid 2024 MK, the Goldstone telescope also captured images of asteroid 2011 UL21, a much larger asteroid with a secret moon in its orbit, as it passed by Earth at a distance of 4.1 million miles. These recent observations provide valuable insights into the behavior of asteroids and their interactions with Earth’s gravity.
Harry, a senior staff writer at Live Science, covers a wide range of topics including space exploration, planetary science, climate change, and animal behavior. His background in marine biology and journalism has equipped him to explore complex scientific concepts and communicate them effectively to a broad audience. Harry’s work has been recognized for its excellence, with a feature on the upcoming solar maximum being shortlisted for an award in 2023. Through his writing, Harry continues to educate and engage readers with the latest discoveries and developments in the scientific world.
