A massive asteroid, designated as 2020 XR, is set to make its closest approach to Earth on December 4, 2023, and astronomy enthusiasts have the opportunity to witness this event live. This colossal space rock, comparable in size to a football stadium, is hurtling through space at an impressive speed of approximately 27,500 miles per hour (44,300 kilometers per hour).
According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), 2020 XR will reach its minimum distance of 1.37 million miles (2.2 million kilometers) from our planet at 0:27 ET, marking this as its closest recorded flyby. The event is significant not only due to the size of the asteroid but also because it falls under the classification of a “potentially hazardous” object.
Live coverage of this historic flyby will be provided by the Virtual Telescope Project (VTP), starting at 13:30 ET on December 3. For those who wish to observe the asteroid through their own equipment, it is also expected to be visible with telescopes measuring 8 inches (20 centimeters) in diameter, according to information released by the European Space Agency (ESA).
NASA classifies 2020 XR as a near-Earth object (NEO), which means its orbit can bring it within 1.3 astronomical units (AU) of the sun. To put this into perspective, 1 AU is the average distance from the Earth to the sun. Asteroids that come within 4,650,000 miles (7,500,000 kilometers) of Earth and exceed 500 feet (150 meters) in diameter are categorized as potentially hazardous. However, experts have confirmed that the upcoming flyby poses no threat to Earth.
Initially discovered, 2020 XR raised some concerns regarding a possible impact with Earth in 2028. Juan Luis Cano, who coordinates the ESA’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Center, explained that astronomers were able to refine the asteroid’s trajectory by examining older data, ultimately ruling out any potential hazards.
This event serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system and the objects that inhabit it. While the asteroid will pass at a safe distance, its size and speed make it a fascinating subject for study and observation.
For those interested in astronomy, this flyby represents a rare opportunity to engage with a significant celestial event. Whether through live streaming or personal telescopes, the close approach of 2020 XR is set to capture the attention of sky watchers and scientists alike.
As the date approaches, many are gearing up for the live broadcast and preparing their telescopes to witness this extraordinary occurrence. Events like this not only highlight the wonders of space but also the importance of monitoring near-Earth objects for future research and understanding of potential risks.
Stay tuned for updates and ensure you have your viewing equipment ready for this thrilling cosmic event!
