Asteroid arrival is expected on April 19.

Asteroid arrival is expected on April 19.

This is a computer-generated image of the asteroid span 2014 JO25. It safely passes the Earth on April 19 at a distance of 1.8 million km (4.6 times the distance from Earth-Moon).

Almost three years ago, a large near-earth asteroid was discovered that is about to rush past our planet on April 19th. No need to panic, as there is no risk of collision. But it will be the closest pass for an asteroid of this size.

Asteroid 2014 JO25 was discovered in May 2014 by the Katalin sky survey in collaboration with the University of Arizona. In size, it reaches about 650 meters, and the level of reflectivity is almost twice as high as the moon. It moves from the Sun and will become visible on April 19th. It is predicted to be brighter than magnitude 11. Therefore, it can be seen in small optical telescopes a night or two before arrival. Usually at such a distance small asteroids fly every week, but this one is large. A similar guest can be expected in 2027 - the asteroid 1999 AN10 (800 meters) will fly 380000 km from us.

Astronomers plan to unite all telescopes around the world to study the asteroid as much as possible. Radar observations will be connected to NASA's Goldstone Solar System Radar in California and the Arecibo National Science Foundation Observatory in Puerto Rico. This will help you see the details of the surface.

The last time an asteroid flew so close 400 years ago and will not happen again for 500 years. In addition, on April 19, comet PanSTARRS (C / 2015 ER61) approaches the Earth for 175 million km. It will be visible in the form of a weak fireball. Moreover, even ordinary binoculars are suitable for observation.

Comments (0)
Search