Asteroid flyby today
 

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/asteroidwatc...lease=2011-332

NASA scientists will be tracking asteroid 2005 YU55 with antennas of the agency's Deep Space Network at Goldstone, Calif., as the space rock safely flies past Earth slightly closer than the moon's orbit on Nov. 8. Scientists are treating the flyby of the 1,300-foot-wide (400-meter) asteroid as a science target of opportunity - allowing instruments on "spacecraft Earth" to scan it during the close pass.

Re: Asteroid flyby today
 

Well that's us dead.

Re: Asteroid flyby today
 

As they used to say in the Navy Lark

"Everybody down!"

Re: Asteroid flyby today
 

Re: Asteroid flyby today
 

So we could be getting a new moon if the Earth manages to grab hold of this ;)

Re: Asteroid flyby today
 

Put a call out for Bruce.

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2011/11/62.jpg

Re: Asteroid flyby today
 

So will we see it from here (if it ever stops raining that is)?

Re: Asteroid flyby today
 

This is what some refer to as a cosmic bullet graze.

Re: Asteroid flyby today
 

Simple answer no due to the cloud cover:)

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But if we get a break in the cloud.....what time does it pass?

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Even if there's no cloud you need a six-inch telescope (minimum) to see it because it's a black as charcoal, according to Nasa.

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Even with a cloud-break you won't see with the naked eye:

"Amateur astronomers who want to get a glimpse at YU55 will need a telescope with an aperture of 6 inches (15 centimeters) or larger."

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Ok, cheers.

There's no point standing outside and getting cold then!!

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Apophis will be the closest yet... but we have a few years to "prepare" and teach geostationary satelites to dodge a bit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/99942_Apophis

Re: Asteroid flyby today
 

Has that been named after a Stargate SG1 storyline? :erm: