Large Asteroid Too Close for Comfort

A 1,300-foot-wide space rock is making a close approach to Earth on Nov. 8, and it seems a little too close for comfort.

At a distance of about 201,700 miles, the massive asteroid will pass within the orbit of the moon, which is 240,000 miles distant from Earth on average. It will fly by at 6:28 p.m. EST, or 23:28 UT.

The asteroid, named 2005 YU55, is the largest object that we have known about in advance to pass this close to the Earth. As its name indicates, the object was discovered in 2005, so at least we have basically had six years to plan for this close approach. It is also the largest object to fly past us until 2028.

The asteroid will obtain a magnitude 11 apparent brightness and should be visible in many telescopes.

Upcoming Events at the UNH Observatory

Saturday, October 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: There will be a solar observing session during UNH Homecoming festivities (canceled). The UNH Observatory staff will be set up at the physics department’s display at the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS) tent on Boulder Field.

Canceled: Saturday, October 29, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.: The UNH Observatory will host a special public session during UNH Homecoming festivities.

Canceled: Thursday, November 3, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Join the UNH Observatory staff for the final Sidewalk Astronomy session of the fall semester. Eight-inch Meade telescopes will be stationed next to the Wildcat statue in front of the Whittemore Center and near the intersection of Main Street and Mill Road.

Saturday, November 5, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.: This will be the first November public session at the UNH Observatory. Come see Jupiter and the bright, clear autumn constellations.

These events are all free and open to the public. However, observation of the skies is dependent on weather conditions and will not be held in the unfortunate event of cloudy skies, rain, or snow.