It seems that the NASA decided to bring a little bit of the drama of “Don’t Look Up“to real life with the warning of a gigantic asteroid, 2024 ON, that is heading towards Earth. Sure, this time we don’t have Leonardo DiCaprio freaking out on national television, but who needs him when the threat is a 720-foot-wide space rock approaching at a speed of 25,000 miles per hour? It seems we are one step away from needing an “alternate ending” for our little blue planet.
About the asteroid
Asteroid 2024 ON, which was detected by NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Program (yes, they have a program for that), is set to make its closest pass on September 15, 2024. And guess what: It’ll pass by at a mere 620,000 miles away, which, in astronomical terms, is pretty much a “hello, how are you?” Sure, that’s 2.6 times the distance between the Earth and the Moon, but let’s pretend that’s not a big deal.
Scientists watching
Now, if you remember the movie correctly, this would be the time when scientists start to sweat, press conferences get unbearable, and the public starts to decide whether to worry or just go on with their lives as if nothing is happening. After all, the chance of impact is “low,” right? NASA is keeping a close eye on it, and JPL in Pasadena is monitoring the beast with every radar and telescope available, trying to make sure we don’t end up like the characters in the movie: either ignoring it or putting on an apocalyptic show.
And just like in the movie, the discovery of 2024 ON has sparked a frenzy among scientists around the world. The ESA, universities and other institutes have teamed up with NASA to study the composition of this asteroid and better understand what awaits us. Perhaps we are just one ridiculous presidential announcement away from a planet-saving “detour” mission… or not.
Ironic times
But until something more drastic is planned, we can watch the asteroid approach through a virtual telescope and pretend we’re not all slightly alarmed by the possibility that reality is imitating fiction in a slightly uncomfortable way. After all, in times like these, irony is pretty much our best companion.
Summary for those in a hurry:
- A giant asteroid, 2024 ON, is approaching Earth, with its closest approach expected on September 15, 2024.
- NASA has detected the asteroid and is monitoring it, ensuring that the chance of impact is low, but still worrying.
- The predicted distance of the flyby is 620,000 miles from Earth, approximately 2.6 times the distance to the Moon.
- The asteroid is 720 feet in diameter, and traveling at 25,000 miles per hour, which makes the situation even more interesting.
- Scientists around the world are collaborating to study the asteroid and ensure we are prepared, unlike the movie.
- As in “Don’t Look Up,” the irony of such a huge threat being treated with a mixture of seriousness and disdain is undeniable.
Source: Atrevida
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
