The Earth should be in one piece by tomorrow night (Nov 8). If it isn't, at least it won't have been caused by the passage of an aircraft carrier sized asteroid named 2005 YU55
We know 100% for sure that the Earth will not be hit by this rock for 100 years. It has a close encounter with Venus in 2029 that will alter its orbit so we will have to monitor its new orbit.
This nomad of the solar system comes closest to us on November 8th at 6:28 p.m. EST, when it passes 198,000 miles (319,000 km) from Earth's surface. By the way, that is well inside the Moon's orbit which is about 240,000 miles on any given day.
This space rock is remarkably spherical and will be close enough that we will be able to get radar returns and further our knowledge. Amateur and professional astronomers are planning observing runs to capture images and associated data as the asteroid makes its closest approach to learn even more about this interloper.
This radar image of asteroid 2005 YU55 was generated from radar data taken in April 2010 by the Arecibo Telescope in Puerto Rico.
NASA / Cornell / Arecibo
I will have more on this as the data results come in. Read More About It: http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/skyblog/observingblog/133013563.html
Sky Guy in VA
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