Asteroid 2022 ES3 is a space rock that astronomers have just discovered. This asteroid was identified as it moved closer to Earth.
The relief is that this asteroid just passed by and did not hit Earth like asteroid 2022 EB5 some time ago.
Also Read: Asteroid 2022 EB5 Unexpectedly Hits Earth, What’s the Impact?
Asteroid 2022 ES3 Appearance
Asteroids are space rocks that are usually very large. The asteroid belt is actually between Jupiter and Mars called the asteroid belt.
However, some asteroids frequently approach Earth. They cross the Earth to make a circle around the Sun.
Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona on March 7, 2022 managed to find a new asteroid. The space rock was later named 2022 ES3.
This rock is identified as moving closer to Earth. After observing for a while, 2022 ES3 has a fairly large size.
The 2022 ES5’s body width is about 40 feet or the equivalent of 12 meters. If we compare this size, it will be the same as the size of the electric bus that we usually ride.
On Sunday, March 13, 2022, this space rock moved closer to Earth at a distance of 207,000 miles or 330,000 kilometers.
Also Read: The Theory of the Oscillating Universe: An Infinite Universe, Really?
Broadcast Virtual
The sight from 2022 ES3 was caught by the Virtual Telescope Project and broadcast live.
From the broadcast, it can be seen clearly the appearance of the body from 2022 SE3 which has just been identified. The image can be captured clearly because the distance is not too far from the Earth.
The position of asteroid 2022 ES3 is just slightly inside the moon’s orbit. The broadcast begins at 2:30 p.m. EDT (1830 GMT).
The results of the live broadcast are also stored on the YouTube channel that you can watch at any time.
“The existence of this Virtual Telescope broadcast will show it directly and on time. This way, you can take part in the journey from the comfort of your home,” wrote Gianluca Masi, the project’s founder, on the website.
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Is it Dangerous?
Although the size is similar to an electric bus, in fact the size is still relatively small for a space rock. Masi said that the asteroid was still at a safe distance.
Asteroid 2022 ES3’s orbital distance is about 87% Earth’s average to the moon is usually about 238,855 miles or 384,400 kilometers.
NASA is also co-monitoring the asteroid through partner telescopes and coordinated space observations through the Office for the Coordination of Planetary Defense.
Meanwhile, the NASA agency also did not find the problem. They are already testing a potentially impacting asteroid defense technology.
As in the 1,210-pound (550 kg) DART spacecraft, which will hit a small asteroid called Dimorphus in September or October to change the asteroid’s orbit around its companion, Didymos.
Of course, NASA will not remain silent if the asteroid 2022 ES3 has the potential to harm Earth. So far the asteroid has moved far from Earth’s trajectory. (R10/HR-Online)
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