Today, an asteroid with the rather numerical name 2001 FO32 is going to pass Earth at a distance of 6.6e9 feet. Sounds close — and it is. But it's still several times the distance between Earth and Moon. Inhabitants of the South half of this rock, or near the equator, may have a peek if they bring good glasses.
But be quick: This thing is speeding at 77,000 mph, and it will be a wile until the next opportunity to look from up close, in 2052.
(news item from Center for Near Earth Object Studies, NASA/JPL-Caltech)
Near miss: "2001 FO32" passing the 3rd rock from the sun
Re: Near miss: "2001 FO32" passing the 3rd rock from the sun
One of these days, our luck will run out!
Re: Near miss: "2001 FO32" passing the 3rd rock from the sun
Roughly 1Km wide that thing could do some serious damage if it hits us.
Re: Near miss: "2001 FO32" passing the 3rd rock from the sun
"Bend over and kiss your ass goodbye."
Re: Near miss: "2001 FO32" passing the 3rd rock from the sun
Bending over is optional*
