A huge asteroid flew unusually close to Earth. Its enormous size still makes the flyby a spectacular celestial spectacle.
On Saturday, an asteroid several hundred meters wide flew past the Earth. According to the European Space Agency (ESA), a collision has been ruled out. The object could be observed at night through small telescopes or powerful binoculars.
The asteroid passed Earth at noon at a distance of about 2.56 million kilometers.
Closest approach was expected at 13:14. CET. According to ESA, the distance was then about 2.56 million kilometers. This corresponds to the distance between the Earth and the Moon by 6.66 times.
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Juan Luis Cano from ESA’s Planetary Defense Office notes the rarity of such flybys on this scale. “An object of this size passes over the Earth only once every few years.” However, the bright, close phase of the Moon may interfere with observations.
Depending on the stage of its flight, asteroid 1997 NC1 becomes visible in different regions of the world.
The celestial body was discovered in 1997 and was named (152,637) 1997 NC1. According to ESA, its size is estimated to be between 750 and 1,650 meters, although smaller values are possible.
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Depending on the phase of its flight, the asteroid is visible in different regions of the world. During the approach, mainly in the northern hemisphere, during the closest flight over almost the entire world, and then also in the south.
Asteroid 1997 NC1 is not a new discovery. ESA
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Most asteroids are located between Mars and Jupiter. Researchers view them as remnants of the early days of the solar system. Some of them come close to Earth and are therefore especially important to observe.
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