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A show for astronomers.
May 2020 has some highlights to offer astronomers. In addition to ETA’s aquarriids There are also some asteroids approaching Earth. The latter do this all the time, but are often too young to see them. However, a few are large enough and cross Earth’s orbit so that they can also be seen by most amateur astronomers.
Seven other asteroids approach in May
The HV4 begins in May and reaches up to 7 million kilometers. The colorful circles represent the orbits of the individual celestial bodies.
© NASA
It starts with the Asteroid 2020 HV4, which brings us up to 7 million kilometers on Tuesday night. Followed closely by 438908 (2009 XO), which will meet on May 7. However, due to the full moon the same day, it is unclear if it will be easy to see. However, asteroid 388945 (2008 TZ3) is much braver, as it “challenges” up to 2.8 million km to Earth. That corresponds to about seven times the distance between the earth and the moon, that the rock of about 220 to 490 meters long flies ahead of us.
A large portion approaches Ascension Day with 136795 (1997 BQ). Its dimensions are estimated at 670 meters to 1500 meters. A “Papa Asteroid” for Father’s Day, so to speak. It also represents the last major asteroid in May approaching us.
The last asteroid approached dangerously close to us.
Video: Comet Atlas falls apart
We expect these asteroids in May.
© Karim Belbachir
By 2029, an asteroid will be very, very close
If all this is not close enough, you must be patient, sometimes even for a few years. The “Mini-Asteroid” ES4 2011 approaches us on September 1 up to a third of the distance to the moon. The celestial body from 22 to 49 meters high reaches up to 123.00 kilometers. 2001 WN5 (diameter 600-1300 meters), which on June 26, 2028 will approach 249,900 kilometers, could look better.
In 2004 MN4, also known as 99942 Apophis, appeared close enough to touch him, moving at an altitude of 38,400 kilometers. The 310 to 680 meter asteroid must be remembered, because it then takes decades for another celestial body to get so close to Earth.
Cosmic distances
Distances in space are measured in LD or AE / AU. LD means the distance to the moon (lunar distance). The astronomical unit (AE) or au (astronomical unit) describes the distance from the earth to the sun.
- Earth-moon distance: about 384,400 kilometers
- Earth-sun distance: about 150 million km
- Distance from Earth to Mars: about 230 million km.
A meteorite strikes the earth surprisingly often
Surprisingly, meteorites hit Earth, as this map shows.
© NASA, Alan B. Chamberlin (JPL / Caltech), Alan B. Chamberlin (JPL / Caltech)
Unlike asteroids (they don’t hit Earth), meteorites repeatedly hit Earth or burn in Earth’s atmosphere. Then they are seen as fireballs in the sky and shine brighter there than all the fixed stars or planets. Boliden are called the largest versions of fireballs. NASA has attempted to plot these bolide and fireball attacks on a map from April 15, 1988 to March 4, 2020. The graph illustrates how often celestial bodies cross the path of our planet.
A meteorite burns in a fireball when it enters the Earth’s atmosphere.
© iStockphoto
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