Giant Asteroid Once Considered Potential Threat to Make Close Pass This Week
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Near-Earth Encounter
Skyscraper-sized space rock to safely pass by our planet
A massive asteroid approximately the size of a skyscraper will make a close approach to Earth this Thursday, September 18, according to livescience.com. Designated 2023 TV5, the space rock measures between 690 and 1,575 feet (210 to 480 meters) in diameter, making it comparable to some of the world's tallest buildings.
The asteroid's upcoming pass represents a significant astronomical event that will be visible through telescopes for amateur astronomers and professionals alike. Despite its substantial size, NASA calculations confirm the object will maintain a safe distance during its closest approach.
From Impact Risk to Safe Passage
How predictions changed over time
Initial observations of 2023 TV5 had raised concerns among astronomers when early trajectory calculations suggested a potential impact with Earth in approximately 60 years. According to livescience.com, the asteroid had been previously predicted to potentially hit our planet around six decades from now.
Subsequent observations and refined orbital calculations have since eliminated this impact risk. The European Space Agency's Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre removed 2023 TV5 from its risk list in July 2024 after gathering additional data that provided more precise orbital parameters.
Orbital Characteristics and Close Approach
2023 TV5 follows an elliptical orbit that brings it periodically close to Earth's orbital path around the sun. During Thursday's approach, the asteroid will pass within approximately 2.5 million miles (4 million kilometers) of our planet—about ten times the distance between Earth and the moon.
This distance, while seemingly vast in human terms, qualifies as a close approach in astronomical scale. NASA classifies any object passing within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometers) of Earth as a "potentially hazardous asteroid," though 2023 TV5 poses no actual threat during this passage.
Observation Opportunities
How to watch the celestial event
Astronomy enthusiasts will have the opportunity to witness 2023 TV5's passage through live streaming services. The Virtual Telescope Project will host a live webcast beginning at 3:00 p.m. EDT on September 18, allowing viewers worldwide to observe the asteroid's movement against the background stars.
For those with access to telescopes, the asteroid will be visible as a moving point of light traveling through the constellation Pisces. Its magnitude of around 13.5 means it will require at least a medium-sized backyard telescope for visual observation under dark sky conditions.
Scientific Significance
Close approaches by asteroids of this size provide valuable opportunities for scientific study. Astronomers will use radar observations and spectroscopic analysis to learn more about 2023 TV5's composition, rotation rate, and surface characteristics.
According to livescience.com, studying near-Earth objects helps scientists better understand the formation and evolution of our solar system. Each close encounter provides data that improves our ability to predict future orbital paths and assess potential impact risks from other space objects.
Planetary Defense Context
The tracking and monitoring of 2023 TV5 demonstrates the ongoing efforts of global space agencies to identify and characterize near-Earth objects. NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office works with international partners to detect, track, and characterize potentially hazardous asteroids and comets.
While 2023 TV5 no longer poses a threat, its history illustrates how initial observations can sometimes indicate potential risks that are later refined with additional data. This process highlights the importance of continued observation and data collection for planetary defense purposes.
Comparative Size Perspective
To appreciate the scale of 2023 TV5, consider that its maximum estimated diameter of 1,575 feet (480 meters) would make it taller than many famous skyscrapers. The Space Needle in Seattle stands at 605 feet (184 meters), while the Washington Monument reaches 555 feet (169 meters).
Despite its substantial dimensions, 2023 TV5 is considerably smaller than the asteroid believed to have caused the Chicxulub impact that led to the extinction of dinosaurs, which measured approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) across.
Future Orbital Behavior
After Thursday's close approach, 2023 TV5 will continue its journey around the sun, with its next notable Earth approach expected in the coming decades. Astronomers will continue monitoring its orbit to refine predictions about future passes.
The asteroid's current trajectory shows it will make another relatively close approach in 2046, though at a greater distance than this week's event. Continuous observation allows scientists to update orbital calculations and ensure accurate long-term predictions for potentially hazardous objects.
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