A small asteroid will pass close to Earth on Wednesday, but due to weather conditions, a planned livestream event has been canceled. The European Space Agency (ESA) says the asteroid is “safely” flying by and can be viewed using an average telescope unless weather restrictions apply.
Asteroid 2020 XR was discovered four years ago and initially had a small chance of colliding with Earth in 2028. However, further observations found it would not impact our planet for at least the next century. The asteroid is larger than 150 meters in diameter and will pass within 4.6 million miles of Earth.
On Wednesday morning, telescopes in Manciano, Italy, were set to track the asteroid’s closest point, but rain canceled the event. However, viewers can still observe the asteroid using a telescope unless weather conditions prevent it.
Asteroid sightings are common, and none of the asteroids currently on track pose a threat to Earth. NASA recently demonstrated its ability to deflect an asteroid in 2022, successfully interrupting its course with an autonomous spacecraft.
Other asteroids will also pass by Earth on Wednesday, including four that range from the size of a bus to an airplane. These asteroids are regularly tracked by NASA and do not pose a danger to our planet.
Source: https://www.koin.com/top-stories/stadium-size-asteroid-to-make-closest-approach-to-earth