By Rod Hill on 2011-11-07
On Tuesday, November 8 at 3:28 PST, Asteroid 2005 YU55 will pass by Earth at just some 202,000 miles. Unfortunately, viewers in the Pacific Northwest will not be able to see the flyby of the asteroid as it occurs during daylight. The 1,200 feet wide visitor is traveling at 30,000 mph and poses no threat to the Earth or Moon. Scientists around world will take advantage of this rare opportunity to view the asteroid up close and personal using observatories’ powerful telescopes.
This story is courtesy of Mr. Jim Todd, OMSI Planetarium Manager:
Near-Earth asteroids are frequent visitors, but typically do not pass within the Moon’s orbit as this one will do on Tuesday. While this asteroid poses no threat, it will give scientists an unprecedented opportunity to closely observe the asteroid and gain more information about its motion and composition.
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla | Sun Nov 6, 2011 12:12pm EST Huge asteroid headed for close encounter with Earth A huge asteroid will pass closer to Earth than the moon on Tuesday, giving scientists a rare chance for study without having to go through the time and expense of launching a probe, officials said.
Earth's close encounter with Asteroid 2005 YU 55 will occur at 6:28 p.m. EST (2328 GMT) on Tuesday, as the space rock sails about 201,000 miles (323,469 km) from the planet.
MORE:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/06/uk-space-asteroid-idUSLNE7A500E2011116
Active weather ahead, including Cascade Snow!