William Atkins
Monday, 02 March 2009 21:11
Science -
Space
Page 1 of 4
No, it’s not a bird, a plane, or even Superman. But, on Monday, March 2, 2009, the Asteroid 2009 DD45 will be passing by Earth at only 63,500 kilometers away. That's pretty close to Earth and us living things down here on terra firma.
According to
SpaceWeather.com, the closest approach of Asteroid 2009 DD
45 to Earth is at 5:40 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST), or 1340 Universal Time (UT), on March 2, 2009.
But, that means ... oops, it’s already past us.
It's already passed us out there in outer space because astronomers only learned about this newly discovered asteroid a couple of days ago.
So, it has already flown by Earth at its closest approach.
Any danger that may have occurred because of the closeness of the asteroid to Earth has also already passed. And, astronomers confirm there wasn't any danger to Earth and its residents.
However, even after that day,the asteroid will be visible with telescopes used by amateur and professional astronomers.
The distance between Earth and Asteroid 2009 DD45 was estimated from between 72,000 to 63,500 kilometers (about 40,000 miles), or well inside the orbit of the Moon to Earth.
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