Posted on 10/10/2017 8:13:24 PM PDT by BenLurkin
Asteroid 2012 TC4 was discovered on Oct. 4, 2012 by the Pan-STARRS observatory in Hawaii. Week later, it gave Earth a close shave when it passed the planet at the distance of 0.247 LD (lunar distance), or 58,900 miles (94,800 kilometers).
Observations reveal that 2012 TC4 is an elongated and rapidly rotating object that has been known to make many close approaches to Earth in the past. The space rock orbits the sun approximately every 1.67 years at a distance of about 1.4 AU. Astronomers estimate that 2012 TC4 has a diameter between 26 to 85 feet (8 to 26 meters).
Calculations revealed by JPL in July 2017 indicated that 2012 TC4 could pass as close as 4,200 miles (6,800 kilometers). These results were based on only seven days of tracking of this asteroid after it was discovered. However, new observations of this space rock conducted at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) by Olivier Hainaut, Detlef Koschny and Marco Micheli of the European Space Agency (ESA) in July and August 2017, show different estimates.
...
The upcoming close approach of 2012 TC4 will offer a great opportunity for astronomers worldwide to observe an asteroid from a relatively close distance. The asteroid's fly-by will be also monitored by the International Asteroid Warning Network as part of an exercise of the recovery, characterization and reporting of a potentially hazardous object approaching Earth.
"The October pass will bring the asteroid up to magnitude 14, so extensive physical studies will be possible, but only briefly. It probably is a fast rotator (period under an hour) so full rotational coverage likely can be obtained in a single night," Harris told Astrowatch.net.
(Excerpt) Read more at phys.org ...
maybe it won’t threaten us unduly, but it would suck immensely if it happened to nail the Moon square-on.
Yep, bump the moon into earth. that would ruin your whole day. Think billiards.
gives a whole new meaning to ‘bouncing the rubble around’ LOL
“This isn’t the ‘roid you’re looking for....”
-Star Wars
Mr. Potato Head In Space!
If they're saying that I guess that means we're all doomed.
Would be insane to think many years ago someone managed to land a steerable rocket pack on it and its about to do a course change to do indeed hit earth.
But in a tactical manner.....
Like a certain pudding boy ruler.
It was amazing!
I didn't even know about it beforehand. I just happened to be outside at the time.
Note: this topic is from 10/10/2017. Thanks BenLurkin.
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