Asteroid 2023 BU to pass Earth safely, observed through telescope, Virtual Telescope Project livestream Jan. 26.
Asteroid 2023 BU is set to make a close encounter with Earth this week, passing within 2,178 miles (3,506 km) of our planet’s surface. The asteroid was discovered on Saturday (Jan. 21) by astronomer Gennadiy Borisov at the MARGO Observatory in Crimea, and measures between 12 and 28 feet wide (3.8 to 8.5 meters). The Virtual Telescope Project will be streaming the asteroid’s pass on Thursday (Jan. 26) starting at 2:15 p.m. EST (1915 GMT), allowing anyone to watch the event.
At magnitude 19.15, asteroid 2023 BU is fairly dim, but may be visible through a powerful telescope operated by a seasoned skywatcher. The asteroid is an Apollo-type asteroid, meaning its orbit crosses that of Earth but spends most of its time well outside the path of our planet. It orbits the sun every 425 days and will not pass close to our planet again until Dec. 6, 2036.
Despite its close proximity to Earth, asteroid 2023 BU is not categorized as potentially hazardous due to its small size, meaning it would likely break up and incinerate in Earth’s atmosphere if it were to hit. Those hoping to catch a glimpse of the asteroid can check out guides on the best telescopes and binoculars, as well as the best cameras for astrophotography and best lenses for astrophotography.
The close encounter of asteroid 2023 BU with Earth is an exciting event for astronomers and skywatchers alike. It is an opportunity to observe a unique celestial body, and to witness the natural beauty of our solar system. The Virtual Telescope Project’s livestream of the event is a great way to experience the asteroid’s pass from the comfort of one’s own home.
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