Scientists prepare for astroid viewing official
A newly discovered asteroid about half the size of a football field will pass nearer to Earth than any other known object of its size on Friday (February 15), giving scientists a rare opportunity for close-up observations without launching a probe.
Officials say Asteroid 2012 DA14, as it is known, is relatively small and will not be easy to see without a telescope or binoculars.
At its closest approach, which will occur at 2:24 p.m. EST/1924 GMT, the asteroid will travel at 8 miles (13 km) per second, bringing it nearer than the networks of television and weather satellites that ring the planet.
For scientists, DA14 presents a rare, albeit short, opportunity to study it's spin rate and what minerals it contains.
Officials say Asteroid 2012 DA14, as it is known, is relatively small and will not be easy to see without a telescope or binoculars.
At its closest approach, which will occur at 2:24 p.m. EST/1924 GMT, the asteroid will travel at 8 miles (13 km) per second, bringing it nearer than the networks of television and weather satellites that ring the planet.
For scientists, DA14 presents a rare, albeit short, opportunity to study it's spin rate and what minerals it contains.
02/15/2013