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An asteroid that was first seen in 1998, named 52768 (OR2 of 1998), is expected to pass Earth next week. However, it is not expected to collide with our planet, according to reports.
The asteroid will reportedly pass within 3908791 miles of Earth, moving at 19461 miles per hour on April 29. When the asteroid was first discovered, NASA had mentioned that the asteroid was large enough to cause global effects if it hit Earth. An image recently captured by the Arecibo Observatory makes the asteroid appear to be wearing its own mask, a reminder of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Anne Virkki, director of planetary radar at the Arecibo Observatory, said in a statement: “Small-scale topographic features, such as hills and ridges at one end of asteroid 1998 OR2, are scientifically fascinating. But as we are all thinking of Covid- 19, these characteristics make it appear that OR2 1998 remembers wearing a mask. ” He further added: “Although this asteroid is not projected to impact Earth, it is important to understand the characteristics of these types of objects to improve impact risk mitigation technologies.”
Jacquie Milner of the Mount Burnett Observatory in Victoria reportedly told an international news agency that the asteroid will appear bright enough in suitable equipment. “The closest approach to this particular asteroid will take place at 7:56 pm Melbourne time on April 29. While it won’t be bright enough, or close enough, thank goodness, to be seen simply In view, an experienced amateur astronomer with a decent-sized (at least 8-inch) telescope will be able to find it at the top of the Hydra constellation, “he said, and further mentioned:” There are more than 2000 of these PHAs currently monitored by scientists. space, but even though they use the term ‘potentially dangerous’, happily this is not a danger to us here on Earth. “
Although OR2 is the largest asteroid expected to fly across Earth in the next two months, it is apparently not the largest ever. “Asteroid 3122 Florence (1981 ET3), which flew past and luckily did not collide with Earth on September 1, 2017. It will make another pass again on September 2, 2057. That asteroid is estimated to have between two and a half to five and half a mile wide, “says one report.
#TeamRadar and the @NAICobservatory Staff are taking appropriate security measures as we continue observations. This week we have been observing the near-Earth 1998 asteroid OR2, which appears to be wearing a mask! It is at least 1.5 km wide and passes 16 lunar distances! pic.twitter.com/X2mQJCT2Qg
– Arecibo Radar (@AreciboRadar) April 18, 2020
Enjoy this super video that shows potentially dangerous #asteroid # 1998OR2 crossing the stars, preparing for its SAFE flyby next April 29. @BadAstronomer @AsteroidDay @PopSci @earthskyscience @universetoday @SkyandTelescope
Full resolution version: https://t.co/OHKUvGhH4f pic.twitter.com/p1T2hUuI9Q
– Virtual telescope (@VirtualTelescop) April 17, 2020
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