Large Asteroid Passes Close to Earth in Rare Event Observed by Astronomers

Asteroid 2023 DZ2 Reaches Its Closest Distance to Earth

In a rare event observed by astronomers, asteroid 2023 DZ2 passed close to Earth last week. The asteroid, which was steadily approaching Earth for some time, reached its shortest distance on Friday and Saturday, slightly less than half the average distance between the Earth and moon’s respective orbits. The asteroid was initially on the Sentry risk table, but officials removed it as it neared Earth. NASA estimated the asteroid to be between 140310 feet long, with an average size of about 164 feet in diameter.

Timelapse Video Created by Astronomers in Italy

Astronomers from an observatory in Italy created a timelapse video of the asteroid traveling closer to Earth. While the asteroid did not pose a threat to Earth, its close approach was notable, and astronomers used the opportunity to learn more about the asteroid and for good practice in planetary defense.

NASA Tracking an Asteroid Passing by Earth in 2023

In related news, NASA is currently tracking an asteroid named 2023 FL2 that will pass by Earth in 2023. The asteroid is around 35 meters in diameter, and NASA uses the length of the nine-banded armadillo to provide a relatable size comparison. The good news is that this particular asteroid has no risk of hitting Earth as it will pass over 4.6 million kilometers away. According to previous research and observations made by astronomers, there is no significant damage caused by past asteroid impacts.

Planetary Defense Techniques Being Developed by Scientists

The field of planetary defense is working on ways to prevent dangerous asteroids from impacting Earth. NASA has launched its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) Mission, with the goal of redirecting a dangerous asteroid off its path towards Earth. Scientists are confident that humanity can prevent asteroid impacts if given enough time.

Newly Discovered Asteroid 2023 DZ2 to Safely Pass by Earth

Another asteroid, 2023 DZ2, was discovered by astronomers at the observatory of La Palma, in the Canary Islands, Spain in late February 2023. It is part of the Apollo family of asteroids and is classified as a Near Earth Object (NEO). The asteroid is estimated to be between 141 and 312 feet (43 and 95 meters) in diameter, with current estimates putting its size at about 210 feet (64 meters). It will pass by Earth at about half the Earthmoon distance on March 25, 2023, and will be visible in small telescopes.

Astronomers Studying 2023 DZ2 for Planetary Defense Purposes

The asteroid’s slow speed of travel makes it noteworthy compared to other space rocks studied by astronomers. It travels at a speed of 17,403 miles per hour (28,008 km/h), or 7.78 km per second, relative to Earth. Astronomers are using this close approach to learn more about the asteroid and improve their techniques for planetary defense in case of a potential asteroid threat.

Radar Images of Asteroid to Be Obtained from Goldstone Antenna

Astronomers at the Goldstone Antenna in California will try to obtain radar images of the asteroid between March 23-26, 2023. While the asteroid posed a very slight risk of impact with Earth on March 27, 2026, officials have removed it from the Sentry Risk Table.

In conclusion, while asteroids passing by Earth are not uncommon occurrences, these events provide scientists with an opportunity to study and learn more about these space rocks. Through ongoing research and observation, astronomers hope to improve their techniques for planetary defense and prevent potential asteroid impacts on Earth.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons