Tag: Near Earth Objects
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Sneaky asteroid buzzed Earth near Antarctica, unseen for hours
What happened: a tiny rock slips past Earth Last week, a small asteroid surprised astronomers by zipping past Earth closer than most satellites. The object, officially designated 2025 TF, passed over Antarctica at an altitude of about 265 miles (428 kilometers) at 8:47 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Sept. 30 (04:47 GMT Wednesday, Oct. 1), according…
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Since 60 Years: Understanding Quasi-Moons and Their Silent Orbit
What is a quasi-moon? A quasi-moon is a space object that shares Earth’s path around the Sun but does not orbit Earth as our Moon does. Instead, it follows a similar journey to Earth, appearing to drift alongside us year after year. These companions are held mainly by the Sun’s gravity rather than Earth’s, and…
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Asteroid Apophis: A Close Encounter with Earth in 2029
Introduction to Asteroid Apophis In April 2029, Earth will witness a significant cosmic event as asteroid Apophis, measuring about 340 meters in diameter, will pass astonishingly close to our planet. This remarkable encounter is projected to occur at a distance of less than 36,000 kilometers, closer than the orbits of geostationary satellites. This event promises…
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Asteroid Apophis to Fly Close to Earth in 2029: Watch It Live!
Introduction to Apophis and Its Upcoming Flyby In a stunning astronomical event, the asteroid Apophis, measuring about 340 meters in diameter, is set to pass by Earth in 2029. This close encounter is particularly unique because it is expected to occur at a distance less than that of geostationary satellites, approximately 36,000 kilometers above the…
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The New Quasi-Moon of Earth: A Hidden Asteroid Unveiled
Introduction to the New Quasi-Moon Recent research published in the scientific journal LIVESCIENCE has revealed an intriguing finding: Earth may have a new quasi-moon. Initially mistaken for a moon, this celestial body is actually an asteroid that had evaded detection for decades until a telescope in Hawaii identified it earlier this year. This discovery opens…
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Evidence of Flowing Water on Ryugu’s Parent Asteroid
Introduction: A Surprising Discovery Recent research has unveiled an astonishing finding: liquid water flowed across the surface of the asteroid that birthed the near-Earth object (NEO) Ryugu. This revelation comes as a genuine surprise to scientists, as it challenges previous assumptions about the timeline of water presence in our solar system. The study indicates that…
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Asteroid 2025 QV5 Will Pass Close to Earth Soon
Asteroid 2025 QV5, a space rock roughly the size of a bus, is set to make a close encounter with Earth on September 3, 2023. This asteroid was first detected on August 24, 2023, and astronomers have since been monitoring its trajectory closely. Notably, the close approach will provide scientists with an excellent opportunity to…
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Asteroid 2025 QV5 to Pass Closely by Earth Soon
Asteroid 2025 QV5 has captured global attention following its discovery on August 24 of this year. This space rock, measuring approximately the size of a bus, is set to make a close approach to Earth on September 3. Astronomers and space enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating this event, marking a rare opportunity for observation of…