Christmas Asteroid: Just before Christmas, a huge 140-meter asteroid is expected to pass terrifyingly close to Earth. The enormous asteroid, which is hurtling towards Earth at a blazing speed of 21276 kilometres per hour, may, however, turn out to be a delight for stargazers, according to the European Space Agency (ESA). It was first identified as asteroid 2015 RN35 on September 9, 2015. Additionally, it can reach a vast size of up to 140 metres. The asteroid 2015 RN35 will make its closest approach to Earth on December 15 at 08:12 UTC, according to information provided by the ESA. Just 686000 km, or little less than two lunar distances, will separate it from Earth, putting us in peril.
We simply don’t know that much about it, according to the ESA, “like many middle-sized space rocks out there.” In a blog post, Richard Moissl, the head of planetary defence at the European Space Agency, stated that “this medium-sized asteroid, with a diameter of 60 to 140 metres, will approach near to Earth on December 15 and become visible to amateur astronomers accross the globe. Join the challenge to spot it with #ESAChristmasAsteroid.”
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How is asteroid 2015 RN35 visible?
You can definitely see this Christmas asteroid! Even if it won’t be as dazzling as a falling star, it will still be difficult. According to the ESA, southern hemisphere skygazers will get the best views of the asteroid’s close approach. Europe will have an opportunity, though, throughout the coming days, up until around December 19.
You should be aware that the asteroid 2015 RN35, which is equivalent to Pluto in size, will have a visual magnitude below 14 between December 15 and 17.
You will need telescopes 30 cm in diameter or larger to get a better look at the Christmas asteroid. Will it hit Earth, though?
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Asteroid 2015 RN35: Will it hit Earth?
The ESA states that there is very little chance of an impact. ESA estimates that it will be zero over the following 100 years. However, because it will pass so close to the Moon and the Earth, even a small deviation from its orbit might be hazardous.
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