By Marcia Dunn -
The Associated Press
An asteroid big enough to destroy an entire city will pass this weekend between the Earth and the moon's orbit, close enough to be seen with binoculars, but with no risk of hitting either.
Its proximity, however, will offer astronomers the opportunity to study a space rock just over 100,000 miles (168,000 kilometers), which is less than half the distance between Earth and the Moon.
[A 'planet-killer' asteroid detected near Earth that until now was hidden by the glare of the Sun]
NASA explained that it is rare for an asteroid this large (its diameter is estimated to be between 130 and 300 feet, or between 40 and 90 meters) to come so close to Earth: it only happens once every 10 years.
The asteroid, known as 2023 DZ2, was discovered a month ago and will fly over the Indian Ocean at a speed of about 17,500 miles per hour (28,000 kilometers per hour).
NASA captures a strange and fleeting star about to die
March 16, 202301:29
"There is no chance of this
city killer
hitting Earth,
but its proximity offers a great opportunity to observe it," said Richard Moissl, director of planetary defense at the European Space Agency.
Astronomers at the International Asteroid Warning Network consider analyzing it good practice for planetary defense in case a dangerous asteroid heads toward Earth, NASA said.
The Virtual Telescope Project will broadcast live the passage of the asteroid, which will not cross our path again until 2026.