1705135984
The asteroid is expected to approach Earth on June 2nd. Meanwhile, astronomers hope to be able to see it with the naked eye. Photo/ DAILY POST
TOKYO – A asteroid which is said to be larger than Mount Everest is now moving closer to the Earth.
As Unilad reported on Thursday (November 1st, 2024), the asteroid 12P/Pons-Brooks is also known as the “Devil’s Comet”. It got its name because of its shape, which resembles a horn.
The asteroid is expected to approach Earth on June 2nd. Meanwhile, astronomers hope to be able to see it with the naked eye.
Even when it passes its closest point to Earth, it is still further away from the Sun.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said: “NASA has confirmed that no asteroid or comet is on a collision course with Earth.” Therefore, the likelihood of a major collision is low.
Although there will be no collision with Earth, the 12P/Pons Brooks approach remains an interesting astronomical event. Amateur astronomers may be able to see it in the night sky using small telescopes, especially after it reaches its closest point to the Sun on April 21, 2024.
12P/Pons-Brooks is quite an interesting comet. Its diameter is estimated to be around 315 kilometers, three times the size of Mount Everest.
This comet also experienced an explosion in October 2023 that made it appear a dozen times brighter and created two “horns” of ice and gas.
(wbs)
#Asteroid #larger #Mount #Everest #discovered #approaching #Earth