This weekend, an asteroid, estimated to be between 40 and 90 metres in diameter, will pass harmlessly between Earth and the moon’s orbit, missing both.
This will provide scientists with a chance to study the object up close. Although asteroid flybys are common, it is rare for one of this size to come so close. Such events occur only about once a decade, according to NASA.
One month ago, astronomers discovered that the asteroid named 2023 DZ2 will make a close approach to the moon on Saturday US time, passing within 515,000km of it. After that, several hours later, the asteroid will fly past Earth at a speed of about 28,000km/h. The close encounter will provide astronomers the chance to study a space rock from just over 68,000km away. At less than half the distance from here to the moon, the it will be visible through binoculars and small telescopes.
European Space Agency’s Statement
“There is no chance of this ‘city killer’ striking Earth, but its close approach offers a great opportunity for observations,” the European Space Agency’s planetary defence chief, Richard Moissl, said in a statement.
Astronomers with the International Asteroid Warning Network see it as good practice for planetary defence if and when a dangerous asteroid is discovered that could hit Earth, according to Nasa.
The Virtual Telescope Project will provide a live webcast of the close approach.
The asteroid won’t be back our way again until 2026. Initially there seemed to be a slight chance it might strike Earth when it returned, but scientists have since ruled that out.