Kumar Bahukhandi
Asteroid 2020 RL, a 110-ft object, will pass 4.68 million km from Earth on August 27, 2024.
A relatively large asteroid, designated 2020 RL, is set to make a close flyby of Earth on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 6:25 AM IST. While the asteroid will not pose a direct threat to our planet, its close proximity offers astronomers a unique opportunity to study it.
2020 RL is classified as an Aten asteroid, a type of near-Earth object that orbits the Sun in a way that brings it relatively close to Earth. This particular asteroid is estimated to be about 110 feet (34 metres) in size, which is roughly the size of an airplane.
Although 2020 RL will pass within a distance of approximately 4.68 million kilometres from Earth, it is considered safe and will not pose any risk of impact. This close encounter, however, provides scientists with a valuable opportunity to observe and study the asteroid’s characteristics, such as its composition and trajectory.
NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Program plays a crucial role in tracking and monitoring asteroids like 2020 RL. The program utilises a network of telescopes and observatories to detect and track these objects, allowing scientists to assess their potential impact risk. By continuously monitoring near-Earth objects, NASA aims to identify and potentially mitigate any potential threats.
While the majority of near-Earth objects pose no risk to Earth, a small fraction, known as potentially hazardous asteroids, require closer attention. These asteroids are defined as being larger than 140 metres in size and having orbits that bring them within 7.5 million kilometres of Earth’s orbit.
If an asteroid the size of 2020 RL were to collide with Earth, it could cause significant damage to a specific region. However, the chances of such an impact are extremely low. NASA’s ongoing efforts to track and monitor near-Earth objects help to ensure that we are prepared to respond to any potential threats.
