Here we go again, another newly discovered Asteroid to pass close to the Earth.

An asteroid big enough to wipe out a city will zip harmlessly between Earth and the Moon's orbit this weekend, missing both celestial bodies.
Scientists estimate its size is somewhere between 40 to 90 metres.

"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.

The Virtual Telescope Project will provide a live webcast of the close approach.

https://www.virtualtelescope.eu/2023/03/18/near-earth-asteroid-2023-dz2-very-close-encounter-online-observation-25-mar-2023/

Top | New | Old

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

A lot of newly discovered ones that are coming relatively close lately.

Thinking some kind of outer space net is really needed floating in near Earth orbit.

Not possible to catch everything. Yet something is better than nothing. Something looking outside of the solar plane though.

Gusman · 61-69, M

@DeWayfarer Seems a matter of time before a largish one will hit.
Even if it hit the water, very large tidal wave will wreak havoc. 🥺

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

@Gusman lots and lots of amateur and professional astronomers are looking on the solar plane.

Mostly looking at whatever planet or whatever within the solar plane.

Few though are looking at orbits perpendicular to the plane. So few actual notice anything far away.

Some kind of orbital net could easily detect such things though. Not much is in the way of seeing it. Yet the area is hundreds of times larger than just the solar plane.

SusanInFlorida · 31-35, F

i continue to be amazed that the ISS hasn't been taken out by some space pebble, or piece of satellite debris, yet.

Add a comment...