Asteroid coming closer than moon

[Rico]

On Nov. 8th, an asteroid will pass closer to the Earth than the moon is.  Who has Bruce Willis on speed dial?  ;)

On November 8th, Earth will have a close encounter with a sizable asteroid. But not too close, thankfully.

The asteroid, designated 2005 YU55, will pass Earth at a distance of about 325,000 kilometers, just inside the orbit of the moon. Asteroids come that close frequently, but 2005 YU55 is notable for its dimensions: 400 meters in diameter. NASA says the asteroid is the size of an aircraft carrier, but it's actually even larger.

The last time an asteroid this big came this close to Earth was 1976, and it looks like it won't happen again until 2028. So astronomers are taking the rare opportunity to study a hefty asteroid without having to send a craft into deep space. Scientists will use two of the largest radio telescopes on the planet, one in California and one in Puerto Rico, to make radar images of the asteroid.

Comets and asteroids preserve the building blocks of the planets. And studying them up close provides clues to how planet Earth came to be. So visitors such as 2005 YU55 are welcome—as long as they keep a respectful distance.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/space/story/2011-11-01/asteroid-viewing-tuesday/51035012/1

http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=asteroid-plans-close-earth-flyby-11-11-01

[Bryancd]

Duck! I have been following this as well on JPL's web site. It's cool they were able to get pics of it from a ground based telescope.

[ori-STUDFARM]

Will it be visible to the naked eye?

[MARKO]

That's crazy!  Not the asteroid ...Ori's Avatar of that guy with his tongue out..

Marko

[Bromptonboy]

Size of an aircraft carrier.  :)  Maybe from the Comet Empire of Starblazers fame....  :)

[Bryancd]

It's from Klandathu! The Bugs are attacking!

[Bromptonboy]

It's from Klandathu! The Bugs are attacking!

Bugs, Mr. Rico!! Millions of'em!

[billybob476]

hehe, Mr. Rico :)

C'mon you apes! You wanna live forever!!

[ori-STUDFARM]

That's crazy!  Not the asteroid ...Ori's Avatar of that guy with his tongue out..

Marko

Whoooah! Hold on a minute!! It's not just "that guy". It's Holly, the ships computer from the British classic comedy sci-fi series, Red Dwarf. If you haven't seen it, you really should. It's....erm.....it's classic!!

[ori-STUDFARM]

....and he hasn't just got his tongue out. He's dancing!! :)

[turtlesrock]

hahahaha! everybody run!

[Feathers]

hahahaha! everybody run!

Err... Where to?

[turtlesrock]

good question. :)

[billybob476]

hahahaha! everybody run!

Err... Where to?

Terra Nova? Oh wait, I'd die of boredom :)

I kid! I kid!

[Feathers]

hahahaha! everybody run!

Err... Where to?

Terra Nova? Oh wait, I'd die of boredom :)

I kid! I kid!

Now, now... :smilie_nono: