2006-06-29 05:28:09 · 4 answers · asked by Rhonda P 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Wow! Yes, apparently so. But on the 3rd.
Your question was the first I'd heard of it, and I don't see it in my usual news sources, even now.
The headline on the first source below is "NASA to formulate asteroid defense plan" ... (not for *this* rock -- but it's about damn time!) Some of us have been yelling about this for years. True to human nature--and particularly to those in Congress who mete out dribs & drabs of money to NASA, it seems to take something like this to make things happen.
XP14, apparently discovered in 2004 (ok, nothing that surprised the skywatching community; just us) will make its closest approach on Monday July 3rd, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
2006-06-29 05:52:38 · answer #1 · answered by Question Mark 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An asteroid possibly as large as a half-mile or more in diameter is rapidly approaching the Earth. There is no need for concern, for no collision is in the offing, but the space rock will make an exceptionally close approach to our planet early on Monday, July 3, passing just beyond the Moon's average distance from Earth. Is July 4th of significance to you aside from it being the independence day of US and formerly the Philippines? To me yes, That is my Birthday!
2006-06-29 12:52:46 · answer #2 · answered by Bobby d 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, actually it was on the 3rd, yesterday morning if you will. It supposedly was the size of the Empire State Building and if it did ever come in contact with our planet, could have wiped out an entire city. This is the first question I have seen regarding it, so we should be a little preoccupied that not many people even knew about this. Good question!
2006-07-04 23:18:40 · answer #3 · answered by easye115 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On the 3rd, a half-mile wide asteroid will pass by, but you would need a telescope to see it.
2006-06-29 13:36:54 · answer #4 · answered by Mark 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋