A large asteroid, estimated to be approximately a mile wide, will pass by Earth at a distance of about 1.59 million miles on Saturday. The asteroid, designated 1997 NC1, poses no threat of collision.
Astronomers estimate the asteroid's size to be between 750 and 1,650 meters (approximately 0.47 to 1.03 miles) across. While this distance is considered a close approach in astronomical terms, it is more than six times the distance between the Earth and the Moon. The space rock is traveling at a velocity of approximately 19,884 miles per hour.
Discovered in 1997 by the Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking system in Hawaii, 1997 NC1 is being closely monitored by space agencies. This close pass offers a unique chance for both professional astronomers and amateur stargazers to observe an extraterrestrial object.
Scientists plan to use radio telescopes, such as NASA's Deep Space Station 26, to scan the asteroid's surface and create a 3D model. This observation could reveal whether the asteroid is a cohesive solid rock or a looser collection of rubble.
For those wishing to observe 1997 NC1, the European Space Agency (ESA) notes that people in the Northern Hemisphere may be able to see it as it approaches and passes Earth. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere will have a view after it has passed Earth's orbit. The asteroid is expected to be visible with large binoculars or a small telescope.
Stargazers in the UK can look for the asteroid between approximately 10:30 PM and 11:30 PM, when it will be near the constellation Bootes towards the west before moving eastward. However, viewing conditions may be challenging due to the moon being 94% illuminated, which will add significant light to the night sky, making the faint asteroid harder to spot. Additionally, cloud cover is forecasted for parts of the UK.
Despite the potential viewing difficulties, the Virtual Telescope Project will be livestreaming observations of the asteroid's encounter from professional telescopes. Streams are scheduled to begin at 11:00 PM BST on both Friday and Saturday nights.
Historically, a celestial object of this size, if it were to impact Earth, would be capable of causing catastrophic damage, earning it the classification of a 'city killer.' For context, the Chelyabinsk meteor, which exploded over Russia in 2013 and injured over 1,400 people, was approximately 60 times smaller than the current estimated size of 1997 NC1.