The Solar System has been quite generous lately, with two unusually shaped asteroids resembling oversized peanuts making their way past our planet. The latest in this cosmic spectacle was the near-Earth asteroid known as 2024 ON, which made its closest approach to Earth on September 16, 2024. This asteroid came within approximately 1 million kilometers (62,000 miles) from Earth, a distance that is about 2.6 times the stretch between Earth and the Moon.

Upon closer examination through radar imaging, it was revealed that this asteroid takes on a peanut-like form due to its nature as a contact binary. This means that 2024 ON consists of two smaller bodies that are in contact with one another. According to NASA, these two lobes of the asteroid are separated by a distinct neck, with one lobe being roughly 50% larger than the other.

Characteristics of 2024 ON

2024 ON measures around 350 meters (approximately 382 yards) in length. The advanced radar technology utilized for capturing images of the asteroid can resolve features down to about 3.75 meters across on its surface. These images have shown notable characteristics, including brighter boulders scattered across the asteroid's exterior. It's interesting to note that approximately 14% of asteroids of this size, those larger than about 200 meters (660 feet), are classified as contact binaries.

Another Space Peanut: 2024 JV33

Not long before the flyby of 2024 ON, another "peanut" asteroid, designated 2024 JV33, passed by Earth on August 18-19, 2024. This asteroid also appears to be a contact binary, featuring a similar structure with two rounded lobes, one of which is larger than the other. The total length of 2024 JV33 is estimated to be around 300 meters (980 feet), which is comparable to the height of the Eiffel Tower. In addition, observations indicated that 2024 JV33 rotates once every seven hours. The asteroid safely passed Earth at a more considerable distance of 4.6 million km (2.8 million miles), which is roughly 12 times greater than the distance between the Moon and our planet.

Radar Imaging and Its Importance

Both 2024 ON and 2024 JV33 were captured in a series of intricate radar images obtained by the Deep Space Network's Goldstone Solar System Radar located near Barstow, California. The primary method of studying these asteroids involves the use of radar, often referred to as planetary radar. Unlike traditional astronomical observations, where astronomers gather light emitted by stars, planets, and galaxies, radar employs radio waves directed at nearby objects. By analyzing the signals that bounce back, scientists can gather remarkably detailed data about the asteroids.

Patrick Taylor, who heads the radar division at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, elaborated on this technique in an interview earlier this year. He explained, "When astronomers are studying light that is being made by a star, or galaxy, they're trying to figure out its properties. But with radar, we already know what the properties of the signals are, and we leverage that to figure out the properties of whatever we bounced the signals off of." This ability to characterize planetary bodies—assessing aspects such as shape, speed, and trajectory—is particularly critical when monitoring hazardous objects that may stray too close to Earth.

Discoveries and Monitoring Efforts

The discovery of 2024 ON dates back to July 27 when it was identified by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) stationed on Mauna Loa in Hawaii. Prior to that, it was initially discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey based in Tucson, Arizona, on May 4.

NASA maintains vigilant surveillance over objects exceeding 492 feet that come within 4.6 million miles of Earth, declaring them as "potentially hazardous objects." This means scientists are keeping a close eye on 2024 JV33, although current assessments indicate no expected threat from this asteroid in the foreseeable future.

What Lies Ahead for Near-Earth Objects?

As space exploration continues to advance, the capacity to monitor and understand potentially hazardous asteroids becomes increasingly vital. Both 2024 ON and 2024 JV33 serve as reminders of how dynamic our Solar System is and the importance of ongoing vigilance regarding celestial objects that could impact our planet.

FAQs

What makes an asteroid a contact binary?A contact binary is formed when two smaller bodies touch each other while orbiting a common center of mass, creating a distinct shape.

How do scientists track asteroids?Scientists utilize radar technology to bounce radio waves off asteroids and analyze the reflected signals, allowing them to gather detailed information about their characteristics.

Are there any risks associated with 2024 ON or 2024 JV33?Currently, both asteroids are not expected to pose any danger to Earth, but monitoring efforts are in place as part of NASA's safety protocols.

What resources does NASA use for asteroid detection?NASA employs various telescopes and radar systems, including the ATLAS system and the Goldstone Solar System Radar, to detect and study near-Earth objects.

In the ever-evolving landscape of space observation, it's worth pondering: What other cosmic curiosities will emerge from the depths of our Solar System next? With some luck, perhaps even more "peanuts" will roll by!