at 12:12 PM by Mallory Schnell

Asteroid Expected to Pass Close to Earth

A newly discovered asteroid, taking the title of 2014 RC, is expected to pass close to Earth this coming Sunday. According to NASA, 2014 RC was identified both in Tucson, Arizona, as well as Maui, Hawaii, and later confirmed. At its closest proximity, the asteroid is predicted to be about 25,000 miles away from Earth.

NASA recently put up an article on 2014 RC. Here is a snippet of what they had to say:

A small asteroid, designated 2014 RC, will safely pass very close to Earth on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014.  At the time of closest approach, based on current calculations to be about 2:18 p.m. EDT (11:18 a.m. PDT / 18:18 UTC), the asteroid will be roughly over New Zealand.  From its reflected brightness, astronomers estimate that the asteroid is about 60 feet (20 meters) in size.

Although the asteroid can not be seen with the naked eye, it is possible that anyone with a small telescope may be able to catch it as it whizzes by Sunday. At its closest encounter, RC 2014 will be one-tenth of the distance away from the Earth as the Earth is to the moon. Even with this close call, no threats to Earth or any of her satellites are expected. As per NASA, “its close approach creates a unique opportunity for researchers to observe and learn more about asteroids.”

Although this Weather Buzz post has not exactly been all about “weather” per se, it has given us yet another reason to look up to the sky.