Asteroid zips past Earth this afternoon – How to watch
This Wednesday, a massive asteroid known as Asteroid 2020 XR will pass by Earth in what NASA classifies as a close approach. The event offers a rare opportunity for astronomers and sky enthusiasts to witness the journey of this near-Earth object from a safe distance. The asteroid, which was discovered in 2020, is estimated to be between 980 and 2,300 feet in length—approximately the size of a stadium.
Asteroid 2020 XR will fly by at a distance of about 1.37 million miles from Earth, roughly five times the distance between Earth and the Moon. While that may seem vast, it is relatively close in astronomical terms, earning it the label of a “potentially hazardous” object. According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), this classification applies to any asteroid that comes within 4.6 million miles of Earth and exceeds 500 feet in size.
The asteroid’s trajectory has been carefully tracked by scientists. When it was first discovered four years ago, there was a brief concern that it might pose a collision risk in 2028. However, further analysis of archival data allowed astronomers to refine its orbital path. The European Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed there is no threat of impact from Asteroid 2020 XR for at least the next 100 years.
For those eager to witness the flyby, the Virtual Telescope Project will offer a live-streamed observation. The broadcast begins Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET and will continue through the asteroid’s closest approach around midnight on Wednesday, December 4. The project, based in Italy, uses high-powered telescopes to deliver real-time views of celestial events to a global audience.
Asteroid 2020 XR serves as a reminder of the growing catalog of near-Earth objects being monitored by space agencies worldwide. In 2024 alone, over 2,300 new NEOs were discovered, bringing the total number to nearly 40,000. The ongoing study of these objects is critical for planetary defense, ensuring any potential threats are identified and mitigated well in advance.
This particular asteroid’s size and speed make it a fascinating subject for observation. Scientists estimate that its mid-range size could measure around 1,200 feet. Such an object could cause significant regional damage if it ever entered Earth’s atmosphere. Thankfully, no such event is anticipated for Asteroid 2020 XR, allowing enthusiasts to marvel at its presence without concern.
Wednesday’s flyby is a chance to reflect on the vastness of space and humanity’s growing ability to observe and understand celestial phenomena. For anyone interested, all that’s needed is an internet connection and access to the live stream to become a part of this cosmic event.
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