An asteroid will whiz harmlessly past Earth this weekend. With the right equipment and timing, you just might spot it.
Called 2024 MK, the space rock will make its closest approach to Earth Saturday morning, passing by at about three-quarters the distance from Earth to the moon. It was first spotted two weeks ago by a South African observatory and is about 393 feet to 853 feet (120 meters to 260 meters) wide.
Smaller objects shoot past Earth all the time, according to asteroid expert Davide Farnocchia with NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies. Asteroids the size of this latest one fly by about every 25 years or so.
“We’re going to see a few of those during our lifetimes, but it’s not something that happens every other day,” he said.
A 7,579-foot (2,310-meter) asteroid flew safely past Earth Thursday, but it was farther away and was only visible to professional telescopes.
For Saturday, skywatchers will need to grab a small telescope since the asteroid isn’t bright enough to be seen with the naked eye. And it’ll be moving quickly across the southern sky, making it difficult to spot.
“The asteroid will be plowing through that field of stars,” said Nick Moskovitz, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory.
Viewers in the Southern Hemisphere will have the best chance of seeing it since the asteroid will appear higher overhead. Those in the U.S. may want to wait until Saturday night, when the asteroid may appear less bright but will be easier to spot without interference from the sun’s blinding light.
If you miss out, mark your calendar for April 13, 2029, when an asteroid called Apophis will fly by Earth and will be visible to the naked eye from parts of Europe, Africa and Asia.
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This Saturday, skywatchers will have the opportunity to witness a rare celestial event as a harmless asteroid passes by Earth. While the idea of an asteroid zooming past our planet may sound alarming, rest assured that this particular space rock poses no threat to Earth. In fact, it will pass by at a safe distance of several million miles.
So how can you spot this harmless asteroid as it makes its journey through the night sky? Here are some tips to help you catch a glimpse of this fascinating event:
1. Check the time and location: The asteroid is expected to be visible in the night sky on Saturday evening. Make sure to check the exact time and location where it will be passing by so you can plan your stargazing accordingly.
2. Use a telescope or binoculars: While the asteroid will be visible to the naked eye, using a telescope or binoculars will enhance your viewing experience and allow you to see more details of the space rock as it passes by.
3. Look for a moving object: Unlike stars, planets, and other celestial objects that appear stationary in the sky, the asteroid will appear as a moving object as it travels through space. Keep an eye out for a fast-moving point of light to spot the asteroid.
4. Be patient: Stargazing requires patience, so be prepared to spend some time looking up at the night sky in order to catch a glimpse of the asteroid. Remember, these celestial events are rare and worth the wait.
5. Enjoy the experience: Watching an asteroid pass by Earth is a unique and awe-inspiring experience. Take the time to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the universe as you witness this harmless space rock make its journey through the cosmos.
In conclusion, spotting a harmless asteroid passing by Earth can be an exciting and memorable experience for any skywatcher. By following these tips and being prepared, you can increase your chances of catching a glimpse of this rare celestial event this Saturday. So grab your telescope, head outside, and enjoy the show as the asteroid makes its way through the night sky.
