Two Killer Asteroids to Pass Earth: A Rare Viewing Opportunity
This month, astronomers have spotted two asteroids approaching Earth, offering a unique viewing opportunity for skywatchers. The larger of the two, asteroid (415029) 2011 UL21, is set to pass by our planet on June 27. This massive asteroid, measuring 7,600 feet across, poses no threat to Earth as it will fly by at a distance more than 17 times farther away than the moon.
While the sheer size of this asteroid is impressive, it will be too distant to be easily visible without a powerful telescope. However, for those with the right equipment, this celestial event could provide a fascinating sight.
In contrast, the smaller asteroid, named 2024 MK, will come much closer to Earth on Saturday, June 29. At 75 percent of the distance to the moon, this 400- to 850-foot space rock could potentially be observed with a decent backyard telescope or even a pair of binoculars. If the skies are clear, observers may be able to witness this asteroid as a moving speck of light against the backdrop of the starry sky just before sunrise.
According to Juan Luis Cano of the European Space Agency, spotting the faster-moving smaller asteroid will require some skill and patience. Stargazers in the United States, especially those located in the southwest, may have a chance to see the asteroid as it zips past. Observers atop Hawaii’s Mauna Kea volcano could also have a prime viewing location to witness this celestial event. Additionally, individuals in South America may have an easier time viewing the asteroid, according to Andrew Rivkin, a planetary astronomer at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.
For astronomy enthusiasts and skywatchers, these two asteroids present a rare opportunity to observe celestial objects as they pass by Earth. While these asteroids pose no danger to our planet, their proximity provides a unique chance to witness the wonders of the universe from our own backyard. So, grab your telescope or binoculars, find a clear spot with a view of the sky, and get ready to witness these cosmic travelers as they journey through the vast expanse of space.
