A large snowman asteroid flew near the Earth. Photo

Without waiting for winter, the Universe decided to send earthlings a Christmas present. Radar detected a snowman-shaped asteroid that flew past the Earth on September 17.

The stone called 2024 ON was actually two asteroids merged into one object. Scientists call such unusual asteroids "contact double", Space.com reports.

According to scientists, the snowman asteroid is formed by two smaller space rocks that flew so close to each other many years ago that they became gravitationally bound. So they eventually merged into one space object.

Experts note that the lobes of the asteroid conglomerate are separated by a clear neck, with one lobe about 50% larger than the other, making it also look like a huge peanut.

"The bright radar spots on the asteroid's surface likely indicate large boulders," the statement said.

Scientists estimate that at least 14% of near-Earth asteroids larger than 200 meters are of the "contact double" type.

According to the researchers, the double asteroid rushed near the Earth at a speed of 131,933 km/h, which is about 26 times the speed of sound. This space rock was quite large – 350 meters long.

Scientists emphasize that 2024 ON sailed past our planet at a distance of 1 million kilometers. According to the calculations of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, it is classified as potentially hazardous.

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