Giant asteroid poses no danger to Earth

An asteroid about 500 meters in diameter is approaching Earth, but is not dangerous.

Simulation of the closest distance of asteroid 2004 BL86 when flying past Earth. Photo: NASA

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that asteroid 2004 BL86 will fly past Earth at a distance of 1.2 million km, nearly three times the distance from Earth to the Moon.

Professional and amateur astronomers in the United States, Europe, and Africa can observe the phenomenon from 8 p.m. on January 26 to 1 a.m. EST on January 27 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on January 27, Hanoi time). A small telescope or binoculars are necessary to observe asteroid 2004 BL86.

"2004 BL86 does not pose a threat to Earth, but this is a relatively close approach from a large asteroid. Therefore, this is a special opportunity to be able to observe and study more," Reuters quoted expert Don Yeomans as saying.

According to NASA, 2004 BL86 will be the largest asteroid to fly by Earth at this close until asteroid 1999 AN10 appears in 2027.

Scientists plan to map the surface of 2004 BL86 using radar as it flies by Earth, which will allow them to better determine its size, shape, rotation rate, and other characteristics.

According to VnExpress