Massive asteroid as wide as 8 football fields skims past Earth
Massive asteroid as wide as 8 football fields skims past Earth
A massive asteroid passed by the Earth on Thursday. While it posed no threat, experts say it came close.
A massive asteroid passed by the Earth on Thursday. While it posed no threat, experts say it came close.
The asteroid, named 418135, or 2008 AG33, is estimated to be between 1,150 and 2,560 feet in diameter -- as wide as eight football fields and twice as big as the Empire State Building.
The asteroid, named 418135, or 2008 AG33, is estimated to be between 1,150 and 2,560 feet in diameter -- as wide as eight football fields and twice as big as the Empire State Building.
At its closest distance, the asteroid came within 2 million miles of Earth, which, according to NASA, is actually a concern.
At its closest distance, the asteroid came within 2 million miles of Earth, which, according to NASA, is actually a concern.
Any object that comes within 120 million miles of the Earth is considered a “near-Earth object”, or NEO, and any fast-moving object within 4.65 million miles is classified as potentially hazardous.
Any object that comes within 120 million miles of the Earth is considered a “near-Earth object”, or NEO, and any fast-moving object within 4.65 million miles is classified as potentially hazardous.
Thursday's asteroid skimmed past Earth at around 23,300 miles per hour.
Thursday's asteroid skimmed past Earth at around 23,300 miles per hour.
Asteroid 2008 AG33 last flew by Earth in 2015, and NASA says it does so every seven years or so. Its next appearance is expected May 25, 2029.
Asteroid 2008 AG33 last flew by Earth in 2015, and NASA says it does so every seven years or so. Its next appearance is expected May 25, 2029.