A previously overlooked asteroid, known as 2007 FT3, has resurfaced in astronomical discussions due to its slight, yet noteworthy, risk of impacting Earth in 2024. First spotted in 2007, this 'lost asteroid' was initially tracked for only 1.2 days before slipping away from observation.
The Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) at NASA, tasked with the surveillance of cosmic objects, has flagged this asteroid among the 32,000 near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) and over 120 comets that are closely monitored for potential Earth interactions.
NASA's calculations reveal a minute probability of impact, gauging the chances at 1 in 11.5 million for October 2024, equating to a mere 0.0000087 percent likelihood.
In the rare event of an impact, 2007 FT3 could unleash energy equivalent to 2.6 billion tons of TNT, capable of causing regional devastation, but insufficient to provoke a global catastrophe.
Scientists emphasize the low likelihood of a collision with Earth on the anticipated date of October 5, 2024. Nonetheless, the existence of 2007 FT3 serves as a poignant reminder of the myriad space objects, like asteroid 29075 (1950 DA), which pose long-term risks to Earth, potentially in the year 2880.
NASA's ongoing efforts to track and analyze such celestial objects form a critical line of defense, enhancing our readiness to respond to potential astronomical threats.
