Scientists have revealed that the astronomical phenomenon will happen on April 29.
Astronomers in the Caribbean region closely follow the trajectory of the huge asteroid 52768 (1998 OR2), a space rock whose size is estimated between 1.8 and 4.1 kilometers in diameter, which is expected to be at its closest point to Earth on the 29th.
The Caribbean Astronomical Society (SAC) reported on Sunday on its Internet address that the asteroid will not impact Earth and will not have any effect on our planet either, but that astronomers are attentive to the slight approach of 52768.
According to the SAC, the closest approach will occur on April 29, around 09.56 GMT.
The scientific entity stresses that anyone with a small telescope and who knows how to point it to the right place and time will be able to see asteroid 5276 as an apparent star moving very slowly.
The SAC clarified that there is no risk of impact from this asteroid, since the space rock would be passing 16 times the Earth-Moon distance, but that despite its large size, it will be easier to see with optical aid.
The asteroid’s orbit has been calculated for at least the next 200 years and its trajectory does not pose a danger.
The Arecibo Observatory, a municipality on the north coast of Puerto Rico, closely follows asteroid 52768 during April, a space rock that moves at a speed of 19,461 miles per hour (31,320 km / h), that is to say 8.7 kilometers per second.
The radar images that will be obtained from the Arecibo Observatory will allow us to better understand the shape and size of this space rock.
Asteroid 52768 belongs to a class or type of space rocks called “love” and it is anticipated that after April 2020 it will return to the vicinity of Earth in April 2079, when it will pass 4.6 times the Earth-Moon distance.
Of all the close-ups of large near-Earth objects that occur within 5 lunar distances, that of asteroid 52768 will be the largest known space rock to approach our planet for the next 200 years.
The SAC clarified that although the asteroid will not be visible to the naked eye, it is anticipated that it could reach a brightness or magnitude of between 10 to 11, so it can be seen through telescopes of 15 to 20 centimeters in diameter.
The scientific entity explains that asteroid 52768 will look like an apparent star that moves very slowly.
The SAC suggests using a 32 or 35 millimeter wide field lens to initially aim the telescope.
Although the space rock travels at a speed of 19,461 miles per hour (31,320 kilometers per hour), the distance causes the telescope to see the asteroid move so slowly, which is why the SAC suggests comparing the view 10 to 15 minutes later. , to identify the asteroid.
– .
