Space Needle-sized asteroid heading for Earth in close flyby
Space Needle-sized asteroid heading for Earth in close flyby
A large asteroid nearly the size of Seattle's famous Space Needle is heading for Earth on Monday
A large asteroid nearly the size of Seattle's famous Space Needle is heading for Earth on Monday
Designated 2017 WN13, this asteroid is estimated to be between 77 meters and 170 m. in diameter.
Designated 2017 WN13, this asteroid is estimated to be between 77 meters and 170 m. in diameter.
For comparison, scientists estimate that a Tyrannosaurus Rex, the infamous "king" of the dinosaurs, grew to around 12.4 meters, meaning at minimum, this asteroid would be longer than six of them.
For comparison, scientists estimate that a Tyrannosaurus Rex, the infamous "king" of the dinosaurs, grew to around 12.4 meters, meaning at minimum, this asteroid would be longer than six of them.
For a more contemporary comparison, an Asian elephant can grow to an average of six meters, meaning 2017 WN13 would be at least 13 of them long.
For a more contemporary comparison, an Asian elephant can grow to an average of six meters, meaning 2017 WN13 would be at least 13 of them long.
At maximum length, however, it would surpass the 169-meter-high Washington Monument and would almost approach the Space Needle in length.
At maximum length, however, it would surpass the 169-meter-high Washington Monument and would almost approach the Space Needle in length.
Flying at an estimated speed of 19.5 km. per second, 2017 WN13 is an Apollo-class asteroid, meaning its orbit around the Sun will cross Earth's.
Flying at an estimated speed of 19.5 km. per second, 2017 WN13 is an Apollo-class asteroid, meaning its orbit around the Sun will cross Earth's.