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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsA giant asteroid that's 3,500 feet wide is hurtling toward Earth right now
A giant asteroid over 3,500 feet wide is flying through space towards the Earth. Dont worry, though, it isnt going to hit us, but it will pass close by on January 18, 2022. Astronomers named it Asteroid 7498 (1994 PC1). The asteroid is roughly 2.5 times the height of New Yorks Empire State Building. NASA considers it a potentially hazardous asteroid because of its size, and how close it flies close to the planet.
While massive, Asteroid 7498 (1994 PC1) isnt an impact concern right now. That means we shouldnt have to worry about its path changing and bringing it any closer to the Earth. In fact, 7498 is only expected to pass within 1.2 million miles of the Earth. Thats over five times the distance between the Earth and the Moon. It is also the closest that it will come for the next 200 years.
Because it will pass so far from the Earth, the chance of seeing this giant asteroid with the naked eye is slim. Viewers will need a small telescope, at the least. Theyll also need to have that telescope pointed at the exact place the asteroid will pass at the exact time that it passes.
Those interested in seeing the asteroid will want to make use of a telescope in their backyard. Try to set up in darker areas, as the speed of the asteroid makes it difficult to see. You'll be able to see it best on January 18, after it starts making its closest approach. EarthSky breaks down the course of the asteroid very well, if you're interested in finding out more details about when to see it.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/a-giant-asteroid-thats-3500-feet-wide-is-hurtling-toward-earth-right-now/ar-AASDDqa
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A giant asteroid that's 3,500 feet wide is hurtling toward Earth right now (Original Post)
Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
Jan 2022
OP
milestogo
(16,829 posts)1. Don't look uP!
ZonkerHarris
(24,204 posts)2. Dont look up.
dalton99a
(81,386 posts)3. Keep your eyes on the car in front of you
Lucid Dreamer
(584 posts)4. Spoiler: " Don't worry, though, it isn't going to hit us..."
Now get back to work.
Response to Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin (Original post)
Thunderbeast This message was self-deleted by its author.
Hokie
(4,285 posts)6. The headline is dramatic BS
The article says it will miss earth by 1.2 million miles and cannot even be seen with the naked eye.
And go Hokies!
lpbk2713
(42,736 posts)8. Far out.
...
InAbLuEsTaTe
(24,121 posts)9. So, in other words, the asteroid is NOT "hurtling toward Earth right now."