New Delhi: The Apollo-class asteroid designated as 2020 WG is set to pass close to Earth on October 28, 2024, at approximately 6:34 UTC. This is a near-Earth object (NEO) and is categorised as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA) because of its orbit and size, and the closest approach is expected to be 3.3 million kilometres. Despite this, it will be passing close enough for astronomers to track its approach and remain at a safe distance of 2020 WG. Its relative velocity at the time of the flyby will be 9.43 kilometres per second, and the approach distance will be in a range of high accuracy nominal, minimum, and maximum.
Under the Apollo category, 2020 WG has an eccentric orbit that brings it near the Earth’s orbit path. This asteroid has an eccentricity of 0.60; its semi-major axis is 2.51 astronomical units (AU); at its farthest point, it is 4.02 AU; and at the nearest point to the sun, it is 1.00 AU. Due to its orbit, the asteroid has an inclination of 7.62 degrees, making it orbit slightly above the ecliptic plane. The orbital period of the asteroid has been calculated at 1,452 days, or just under four years.
Tracking and Observation Timeline
The new asteroid 2020 WG was discovered on November 11, 2020, and has a large observation history of nearly four years, with the last observation recorded on October 26, 2024. The path of the asteroid has been determined based on the information from the JPL DE441 planetary ephemeris that allows to create a detailed model of the asteroid’s trajectory. Its condition code quantifies orbit uncertainty on a scale of 0–9; it is a zero, suggesting a high level of certainty in the path.
Physical and Approach Data
The absolute magnitude of 2020 WG is 21.73 mag, which points to the size of the asteroid being several hundred meters in diameter; however, its size is still unknown. Measuring its Earth MOID, it is estimated to be at approximately 0.013 astronomical units, which is approximately 1.96 million kilometers. The approach, such as the one in October 28, 2024, can help astronomers refine data on such asteroids and enhance the prediction of future encounters.
Future Flybys: Monitoring the Path
The next close approaches for 2020 WG are expected in October 2028, September 2032, and September 2036, according to astronomers. In the case of each pass, its monitoring is important for the improvement of orbit models that can be used for the evaluation of any potential threat. For now it is not dangerous, but it is very important to notice such an active object in space and follow its movements in the near future.
