On December 18, 2024, asteroid 2024 XS3 made a close pass by Earth at a distance of approximately 3.3 million kilometers (2.1 million miles), which is about 8.5 times farther than the Moon. Discovered on December 3, 2024, this small asteroid, measuring around 25.6 meters (84 feet) in diameter, posed no risk of collision, as confirmed by NASA.
Asteroid 2024 XS3 follows an elliptical orbit with a perihelion of 0.89 AU and aphelion of 2.58 AU, completing one revolution around the Sun approximately every 833 days. Its significant eccentricity of 0.49 places it within the Apollo asteroid group.
This flyby provided astronomers with a valuable opportunity to refine tracking techniques and gather data on the asteroid's characteristics, including its speed of about 23,423 miles per hour. Such observations are crucial for understanding the formation of the solar system and the early building blocks of planets.
NASA's ongoing efforts in monitoring Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) through advanced radar systems and programs like the Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) emphasize the importance of detecting potential threats to Earth. The recent success of the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) further showcases the agency's commitment to planetary defense.
While 2024 XS3's close approach did not pose a threat, it serves as a reminder of the need for continuous monitoring of asteroids and the potential risks they may represent in the future. Scientists are better equipped to protect Earth from cosmic dangers thanks to these ongoing research efforts.