The massive space rock 2024 XN1, also known as the ‘Christmas Eve asteroid’ and roughly the size of an airplane, will pass Earth at 14,743 mph on December 24, as confirmed by NASA’s Asteroid Watch dashboard. The asteroid will make its closest approach at 02:56 am GMT. With a diameter ranging from 95 to 230 feet, scientists estimate its potential destructive force to be equivalent to 12 million tonnes of TNT.
Asteroid 2024 XN1 is the largest of the five asteroids set to make close approaches to Earth. This giant, measuring approximately 120 feet in diameter, is being closely monitored by NASA’s Asteroid Watch dashboard, which tracks asteroids and comets that make relatively close passes by our planet.
Although classified as a “near miss” in astronomical terms, experts have assured that there is no risk of collision. The asteroid is expected to safely pass by Earth at a distance of about 4.48 million miles (7.21 million kilometers)—roughly 18 times the distance between Earth and the Moon.
The asteroid was first discovered on December 12 by NASA and the European Space Agency’s planetary defense systems. After analyzing its orbit, they categorized it as a close approach, meaning it will pass within 4.65 million miles (7.5 million kilometers). While there is no danger, this fly-by highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to monitor near-Earth objects.
The Asteroid Watch dashboard offers detailed information about each object’s closest approach, including the date, size, and distance from Earth. By hovering over the date of each asteroid’s encounter, users can access additional details about its size and proximity to our planet.
While 2024 XN1 is the largest of the upcoming asteroids, scientists assure that none of these objects pose a threat to Earth. The dashboard plays a crucial role in keeping the public informed and underscores the importance of tracking space objects to assess potential future risks.
