SCIENCE

Massive asteroid to cross Earth tomorrow

By Sanjana Shankar

1

Asteroid 

A skyscraper-sized asteroid named 2023 DZ2 will pass between Earth and Moon's orbit on March 25. Fortunately, it is expected to cross Earth without causing any harm.

2

Closer asteroid view

Asteroid 2023 DZ2 will come half as close as the Moon, providing a rare opportunity for scientists to study the space rock up close.

3

Asteroid approaches Earth

Asteroid 2023 DZ2 will make a close encounter with Earth at 19:52 UTC on March 25 (1:22 am IST, March 26). It will come as close as 168,000 kilometers.

4

Asteroid in sight!

From the northern hemisphere, skywatchers with 6-inch telescopes or larger will be able to catch sight of the asteroid on the evening of March 24.

5

Discovery

2023 DZ2, which belongs to the Apollo class of asteroids, was first spotted by astronomers at the La Palma Observatory in  February 2023.

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