Denver, Colorado – The skies are set to light up as a 2,000-foot asteroid makes its way past Earth on Monday morning. This celestial event is a rare occurrence, with astronomers recommending the use of a telescope to catch a glimpse of the passing space rock.
Known as 2013 NK4, the asteroid follows an elliptical orbit around the sun, bringing it close to the orbits of Venus and Mercury while surpassing the orbit of Mars. NASA reports that this asteroid makes its journey past Earth every 378 days, with the next predicted encounter scheduled for April 23 next year.
For those wondering about the timing of the asteroid’s flyby, NASA has confirmed that it will occur at 10:51 a.m. ET on Monday. While it may be challenging to spot the asteroid with the naked eye, it will be easier to observe the celestial display on April 16 and 17 when darkness falls, according to EarthSky.org.
Interestingly, 2013 NK4 is significantly larger than the well-known doomsday asteroid Apophis, which is expected to pass even closer to Earth’s artificial satellites in 2029. This titanic space rock is a stunning reminder of the vast and sometimes unpredictable nature of our universe.
With this rare opportunity to witness the asteroid 2013 NK4 passing by Earth, astronomers and space enthusiasts alike are eager to catch a glimpse of this cosmic event. While the asteroid may not pose any threat to our planet, its proximity offers a unique chance to study these celestial bodies up close.
As Earthlings await the spectacular show in the sky, it serves as a powerful reminder of the wonders of our universe and the importance of continued exploration and study of space. So be sure to grab your telescope and head outside to witness this truly remarkable event as the asteroid 2013 NK4 graces our skies with its presence.