Asteroid nearing Earth is largest fly-by since 1600s, visible from Canada

An asteroid, designated 1997 NC1, is set to make its closest approach to Earth since before the 17th century this weekend, but experts assure it poses no threat. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) confirmed the asteroid will pass Earth on June 27 at a distance of between 2.5 and 2.6 million kilometers.

“

will pass relatively close to Earth on June 27.

For perspective, this distance is about 6.5 to seven times farther than the moon is from Earth. If Earth were shrunk to the size of an orange, the asteroid would still pass by at a distance of 20 meters. The CSA states that large asteroid impacts are rare, but when they occur, they can alter a planet's landscape and even cause mass extinctions.

“

this poses no risk.

NASA has classified 1997 NC1 as a "Potentially Hazardous Asteroid." The asteroid is estimated to be up to 1,650 meters across, roughly three times the height of Toronto's CN Tower. Despite its size and classification, the pass-by is considered safe, with the asteroid not expected to come this close to Earth again until 2133.

“

When they do happen, these cosmic events can not only change a planet’s landscape – they can even cause mass extinctions.

Astronomers say the event is uncommon, occurring about every five years. While visible from parts of Canada on June 27, a small telescope will likely be needed to observe 1997 NC1 in the night sky.

“

the pass-by of 1997 NC1 will be the closest “since before the year 1600, which is the farthest back that its motion has currently been computed.”