A 2.6-mile-wide asteroid, dubbed 877 Alinda, will be visible in the night sky tonight, but only with binoculars and under optimal conditions. The asteroid is part of the Alinda group, named after a city in ancient Turkey or an Australian aboriginal figure.
Located in the constellation Gemini, 877 Alinda will be at its peak brightness, magnitude 9.4, making it visible for those who know where to look. However, finding it may require some effort, even under ideal weather conditions and with low light.
To spot the asteroid, look towards the winter constellation Orion, following the top star of its belt to the left shoulder and then to Gemini. Alternatively, locate the planet Mars, which is also in Gemini now. Keep in mind that 877 Alinda is a relatively faint object, requiring patience and persistence to detect.
Astronomers assure us that 877 Alinda poses no threat to Earth, with director Amie Gallagher stating that its proximity is “many times father away” from the planet than our moon, which is about a quarter-million miles off. This asteroid is just one of many in the solar system, often referred to as leftover crumbs from the formation of the sun.
Viewers can catch 877 Alinda live on a virtual telescope stream or try to spot it in person tonight.
Source: https://eu.northjersey.com/story/news/2025/01/12/how-can-i-see-the-giant-asteroid-tonight/77653632007