On November 8th, Earth will have a close encounter with a sizable asteroid. But not too close, thankfully. The asteroid, designated 2005 YU55, will pass Earth at a distance of about 325,000 km, just inside the orbit of the moon.
Where will asteroid 2012 DA14 be when it approaches Earth?
A: Asteroid 2012 DA14 will be only about 17,200 miles (27,700 kilometers) above Earth’s surface at the time of closest approach on Feb 15, 2013. This distance is well outside Earth’s atmosphere, but it is inside the belt of satellites in geostationary orbit, which is located 22,200 miles (35,800 kilometers) above Earth’s surface.
Can NASA’s near-Earth object program predict the path of 2012 DA14?
NASA’s Near-Earth Object Program Office can accurately predict the path of the small near-Earth asteroid 2012 DA14. There is no chance that the asteroid might be on a collision course with Earth.
What is the size of the asteroid that will hit Earth?
The asteroid, designated 2005 YU55, will pass Earth at a distance of about 325,000 km, just inside the orbit of the moon. Asteroids come that close frequently, but 2005 YU55 is notable for its dimensions: 400 meters in diameter, about the size of an aircraft carrier.
How do scientists study comets and asteroids?
Scientists will use two of the largest radio telescopes on the planet, one in California and one in Puerto Rico, to make radar images of the asteroid. Comets and asteroids preserve the building blocks of the planets. And studying them up close provides clues to how planet Earth came to be.
How big is the asteroid 2005 YU55?
Asteroids come that close frequently, but 2005 YU55 is notable for its dimensions: 400 meters in diameter, about the size of an aircraft carrier. The last time an asteroid that big came this close to Earth was 1976, and it looks like it won’t happen again until 2028.
