AI Generated Image
Large asteroid will safely pass by Earth on Saturday
WRAL • • science
Key Points:
- On June 27, asteroid 152637 (1997 NC1), approximately one kilometer wide, will make a relatively close pass by Earth, providing a rare chance for astronomers to study a sizable near-Earth object.
- Despite its "potentially hazardous asteroid" (PHA) designation, 1997 NC1 poses no impact threat to Earth for at least the next century, as current calculations show its orbit remains safely distant.
- Close approaches by near-Earth objects are not rare; in the past year, 211 NEOs passed within a lunar distance, though most are much smaller than 1997 NC1.
- The asteroid’s large size makes this encounter unusual, with the last similarly sized object passing at a comparable distance occurring in 1976.
- Such close passes are important for planetary defense research, allowing scientists to gather detailed data on asteroid characteristics and improve methods to address potential future hazards.
