Introduction

On December 11, 2024, the near-Earth asteroid known as 2024 XS16 amazed astronomers and sky gazers when it made an extremely close approach to our planet, coming within a mere 48,000 kilometers of the Earth’s center—closer than many geostationary satellites! This close flyby provided a unique opportunity for observation and study.

Stunning Observations

Astronomers captured a stunning image of the asteroid during its approach using the “Elena” robotic telescope system, part of the Virtual Telescope Project. The image, taken through a 7-second exposure, shows the asteroid moving rapidly across the sky at a speed of approximately 650 arcseconds per minute. The stars appear as long trails due to the tracking of the fast-moving object, while the asteroid itself is represented as a distinct dot of light, conveniently highlighted by a white arrow in the image.

Proximity Details

At the time of imaging, asteroid 2024 XS16 was about 134,000 kilometers away from Earth—approximately 35% of the average distance to the Moon. It reached its closest point to Earth at 22:16 UTC on December 11, confirming the predicted minimum distance of 48,000 kilometers, which is roughly 13% of the average lunar distance, based on data from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Discovery and Size

Discovered just hours before its close approach by the Mt. Lemmon Survey, asteroid 2024 XS16 measures between 2 to 5 meters in diameter. Fortunately, there were no threats to Earth from this asteroid, making it a safe and exciting event for astronomers and space enthusiasts alike.

Live Feeds and Public Engagement

In addition to the incredible imagery captured, the Virtual Telescope Project scheduled live feeds to showcase the asteroid in real-time, allowing viewers to witness this cosmic event as it unfolded.

Conclusion

This near-Earth encounter not only provided a beautiful sight but also enhances our understanding of the dynamics of such objects in our solar system. As we continue to monitor and study asteroids, events like these serve as a reminder of the vastness of space and the fascinating phenomena just a stone's throw away from our planet! Stay tuned for more exciting updates and cosmic encounters!