An asteroid called 2024 XN1 will pass very close to Earth on December 24, 2024.
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The asteroid has a diameter of about 120 feet (about 36 meters), which is equivalent to the size of a small building.
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It will pass at a safe distance of about 4.48 million miles (about 7.2 million kilometers) from Earth, which is more than 16 times the distance between Earth and the moon
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Traveling at a speed of about 14,743 miles per hour (about 23,740 kilometers per hour), its closest approach is expected at 2:57 AM IST.
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NASA and astronomers have confirmed that the event poses no threat to Earth.
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Asteroid 2024 XN1 is classified as a near-Earth object (NEO), a term used for celestial bodies whose orbits bring them in close proximity to Earth.
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NEOs are remnants of the early solar system, formed 4.6 billion years ago.
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NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard tracks such near-Earth objects, providing information about their size, distance, and dates of approach.
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The upcoming flyby of 2024 XN1 highlights the importance of monitoring asteroids and ongoing efforts in planetary defense.
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Historical events, such as the asteroid impact that contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs, underscore the importance of tracking these celestial bodies to protect Earth from potential threats.