Newfound “Pitbull” Asteroid Will Zip By Earth on Sunday

The asteroid will skirt just outside of the orbital height of geosynchronous satellites. This was not the case with another cosmic close call, when asteroid DA14 paid a visit on February 15, 2013. That office-building-size rock raced past Earth, coming as close as 17,168 miles (27,630 kilometers), well within the orbits of many communication satellites.

“While this celestial object does not appear to pose any threat to Earth or satellites, its close approach creates a unique opportunity for researchers to observe and learn more about asteroids,” the space agency said in a statement. Astronomers will track the satellite for its chances of later hitting Earth.

Virtual Vision

At its brightest, Pitbull will reach magnitude 11.5, meaning it will be visible only through backyard telescopes with at least medium-size mirrors (6 to 8 inches, or 15 to 20 centimeters).

However, everyone around the world can join NASA and astronomy outreach venture Slooh as they stream live online views of the asteroid’s near-approach on Saturday, September 6, with a special live show on Slooh.com, free to the public, starting at 7 p.m. PDT/10 p.m. EDT/02:00 UTC (9/7).

http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2014/09/04/watch-newfound-pitbull-asteroid-barnstorm-earth-on-saturday/