NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is closely tracking three asteroids that will pass Earth today, on December 11. Despite a near approach, these celestial objects do not pose any significant danger, according to reports.
| Name of the Asteroids | Size | Distance from Earth |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 XU3 | 89 feet | 4 million miles |
| 2024 XZ11 | 71 feet | 2.92 million miles |
| 2024 XL11 | 20 feet | 735,000 miles |
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Asteroid 2018 XU3
Asteroid 2018 XU3, the largest among the three, measures 89 feet (approx) in width, about the size of an airplane’s wingspan. It will reportedly pass Earth about 4 million miles away, over 16 times the distance between Earth and the Moon. Its size and close approach offer scientists an opportunity to closely study its composition and behavior.
Asteroid 2024 XZ11
A bit smaller in size about 71 feet, Asteroid 2024 XZ11 will pass even closer to Earth, 2.92 million miles away. The celestial object’s proximity allows researchers to compare its physical and chemical properties to larger asteroids to understand diversity among space objects in a better manner.
Asteroid 2024 XL11
The smallest of the three, Asteroid 2024 XL11 is only 20 feet in size – the size of a small car. However, it will pass closest to Earth about 735,000 miles away. It will allow scientists to study how small asteroids interact with Earth’s gravity. Such asteroids usually originate from larger bodies.
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