Observe and photograph a large asteroid, which NASA describes as a “potential danger” approaching Earth this month (photo)

Astronomers have photographed an asteroid large enough for NASA to describe it as a “potential danger” as it moves very quickly along a path close to Earth.

NASA’s asteroid 52768 (OR2 1998) is accelerating around the solar system on a path called “near-Earth approach.” But the asteroid does not pose any threat to Earth, but its movement promises a great opportunity for astronomers to closely examine it for space standards.

The asteroid will pass the globe on April 29, 6.29 million kilometers away.

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The asteroid is likely to be bright enough on the night of its close approach to Earth so that it can be seen through telescopes and basic perspectives, said astrophysicist Gianluca Massi, head of the virtual telescope project.

Speaking to “Express,” he explained that he took a photograph of the space rock on April 18 from the space telescope facility in Ceccano, Italy.

The surprising image was taken when the asteroid was about 10 million miles (16.1 million km) from Earth.

Dr. Massey said on his website: “The asteroid is in the center of the image, visible as a sharp point of light. The telescope follows the apparent motion of the 1998 OR2.”

When asteroids and comets fly around the Solar System, they often enter the cosmic vicinity of Earth, and sometimes cross Earth’s orbit.

NASA has identified the asteroid OR2 as potentially dangerous, due to its massive size. However, it does not pose a threat to Earth, as astronomers have studied its orbit since 1998.

Source: Express

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