Get Out Your Telescopes!

Want to see an asteroid? If you have a decent telescope and some skill, your chance is coming up soon.

An asteroid possibly as large as a half-mile or more in diameter is rapidly approaching the Earth. There is no need for concern, for no collision is in the offing, but the space rock will make an exceptionally close approach to our planet early on Monday, July 3, passing just beyond the Moon’s average distance from Earth.

Astronomers will attempt to get a more accurate assessment of the asteroid’s size by “pinging” it with radar.

And skywatchers with good telescopes and some experience just might be able to get a glimpse of this cosmic rock as it streaks rapidly past our planet in the wee hours Monday. The closest approach occurs late Sunday for U.S. West Coast skywatchers.

I don’t have a good telescope, but I do have binoculars. If the sky is clear, I think I’ll give it a shot. If you’re on the West Coast, you’re probably in the best spot to catch a glimpse.

If you do, drop me a note and let me know.

Assuming, of course, that it really is an asteroid and not the vanguard of some huge alien invasion fleet. In that case, how about you hook a brotha’ up and give me some warning, okay?

You never know.

(h/t: Mr. Science Guy)

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Category: Hey, Mr. Science Guy!, Out in the Black