NASA decided to use a nearby asteroid overflight to test the warning network for the arrival of space stones.
A small object passed in the distance of 43,800 km above Antarctica on Thursday. There is no threat to a collision, but researchers see this as a chance to test the protection system.
For several weeks, asteroids have been monitored by observatories around the world to examine its trajectory and check the connection. The coordinators report that everything is going well.
August 10, 2017 this image was mined in the European Southern Observatory. Before you is the near-Earth asteroid 2012 TC4 (center point). 37 separate 50-second exposures were used for shooting, and bright stripes - background stars Up to this point it was necessary to use only simulations. The exercises will continue for another week, when researchers will follow the distance of the stone.
The asteroid was found in 2012, and it is pulled out at 14-30 m. Scientists insist on a detailed study of the shape and size, because it affects the trajectory and speed.
The team has chosen a particular body, because it does not pose a threat, but still has uncertainty in its path. Amateur astronomers have little chance of a review due to the speed and weakness of the object.
Over the next few years, researchers are expecting another asteroid to check the quality of the tracking system again.
