Facts About the Asteroid
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has identified a massive asteroid, dubbed Asteroid 2008 OS7, approaching Earth. This colossal space rock, comparable in size to a US football stadium, will make its closest approach to our planet at a distance of 1.77 million miles, which is approximately 7.4 times the distance to the moon.
Live Streaming of the Event
Despite being invisible to the naked eye due to its distance and size, individuals can witness this astronomical event live on YouTube. Astronomers, including Gianluca Masi of the Virtual Telescope Project, will broadcast the asteroid passing by Earth, offering viewers a rare glimpse of the speeding rock amidst the backdrop of stars. The livestream is set to begin at 1 p.m. ET and will last approximately 45 minutes.
Potentially Hazardous Nature of Asteroid 2008 OS7
Asteroid 2008 OS7 falls under the category of “potentially hazardous” objects due to its significant size and close proximity to Earth. With an orbit that varies each time it approaches our planet, this asteroid poses a potential threat if it were to collide with Earth. NASA is continuously monitoring such near-Earth objects and is planning future missions, like the Near-Earth Object Surveyor set to launch in 2027, to enhance our understanding and preparedness for such celestial phenomena.