Giant asteroid to pass Earth on Saturday, observable with binoculars or telescope

A large asteroid, designated (152637) 1997 NC1, is set to pass by Earth on Saturday, June 27, at a safe distance, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced. The celestial body poses no threat of impact.

The asteroid will make its closest approach to Earth at 14:14 Romanian time, coming within approximately 2.56 million kilometers. This distance is more than six times the span between the Earth and the Moon. ESA has confirmed that any possibility of collision has been definitively ruled out.

Discovered in 1997, the asteroid is being monitored by ESA's planetary defense team. Its size is estimated to be between 750 meters and 1.65 kilometers in diameter, based on the light it reflects. However, some estimates suggest it might be smaller.

Astronomers with access to small telescopes or large binoculars may be able to observe the asteroid. ESA noted that such a close pass by an object of this size occurs only a few times a year. However, the presence of a bright, nearly full Moon could hinder visibility during the asteroid's closest approach. The asteroid will be traveling at a speed of nearly nine kilometers per second as it passes our planet.

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O apropiere de Pământ a unui obiect de această dimensiune are loc doar o dată la câțiva ani, deși, de această dată, Luna aflată aproape și foarte luminoasă ar putea îngreuna observarea sa în momentul apropierii maxime