Asteroid to pass within viewing range of observers on Earth

Associated Press ^ | 8-16-02 | PAUL RECER, AP Science Writer

[Oldeconomybuyer]

WASHINGTON (AP) --

[Notforprophet]

Bump for a close call.

I wonder sometimes how much hot-air these astronomers are blowing. They have next to no idea how many space rocks just like this one are in orbit near the Earth and remain undiscovered.

We could get nailed tomorrow...

[6ppc]

Yeah. Now that they are looking for them, it's amazing how many they are finding.

[Mike Darancette]

The asteroid, known as 2002 NY40, was discovered July 14.

Well, if this one had been on a course to hit Earth we would have had about 33 days to get our affairs in order.

[RightWhale]

We might have a shot at it. 11 PM our time. About the only star visible wil be Vega, assuming it isn't cold and drizzly, or possibly snowing.

[Night Hides Not]

Where is Vega normally found? Please help me with orientation, and assume that I am facing directly to the north. Thanks!

My wife gave me a pretty nice telescope for Christmas two years ago, and I've greatly enjoyed it. ...now to remind myself to get new batteries for the thing.

[Notforprophet]

Either these guys are a joke, or we're gonna get hit one way or another, some day or the other. I say we get on with it.

[RightWhale]

Vega should be high and bright about midnight. It's nearly the brightest star, more or less directly overhead. Kind of a blue tint to it if you are good at seeing colors.

[cinFLA]

Where is Vega normally found? Please help me with orientation, and assume that I am facing directly to the north. Thanks!

I am sure a web search would reveal the location.

[Night Hides Not]

Thanks!

[PoorMuttly]

Hey...I've got an idea...when we're real close...I'll take a picture of you, and you take a picture of me. I'll be the guy at the barbecue, with wind blowing through his hair.

[PoorMuttly]

...you'll have to use flash...but I'll steer as close as I can. Don't want to spill my drink, just for a photograph from Earth.

[Consort]

The one that killed all the dinosaurs was also in viewing range.

[Dianna]

You can go to www.skyandtelescope.com

[StormEye]

Where is Vega normally found?"

Almost directly overhead around midnight. It's one of the brightest stars in the sky. Look carefully and you see it will form a big triangle with two other bright stars Deneb and Altair. This called the Summer Triangle. The Milky Way goes right through the Summer Triangle running north to south. With a small telescope or a good pair of binoculars this section of the sky will open with innumerable stars.