By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.
I agree
Search Trends
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
NASA shows the asteroid Bennu seen from the Osiris-Rex spacecraft. /CFP
An asteroid named 2024 MK is expected to pass close to Earth without posing any danger this weekend.
Discovered two weeks ago by a South African observatory, the space rock measures between 120 and 260 meters in diameter. It will approach Earth on Saturday morning, coming within about three-quarters of the distance to the moon.
According to Davide Farnocchia, an asteroid expert at NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, smaller asteroids pass near Earth frequently. Asteroids of similar size to 2024 MK come close to Earth approximately every 25 years.
Recently, an asteroid measuring 2,310 meters also safely passed Earth, though it was farther away and visible only through professional telescopes. With appropriate equipment and timing, observers might catch a glimpse of 2024 MK during its near-Earth encounter.
For viewers in the U.S., waiting until Saturday night might be preferable, as the asteroid will be less luminous but more visible without competing against the glare of the sun.
If you miss out, make sure to mark April 13, 2029, when another asteroid named Apophis will pass close to Earth. During this time, it is expected to be visible to the naked eye from parts of Europe, Africa and Asia.
(With input from AP)