Asteroid that could wipe out a city is near, but don’t fear

Variety
24-03-2023 | 09:59
High views
Share
LBCI
Share
LBCI
Whatsapp
facebook
Twitter
Messenger
telegram
telegram
print
Asteroid that could wipe out a city is near, but don’t fear
Whatsapp
facebook
Twitter
Messenger
telegram
telegram
print
2min
Asteroid that could wipe out a city is near, but don’t fear

An asteroid big enough to wipe out a city will zip harmlessly between Earth and the moon’s orbit this weekend, missing both celestial bodies.

Saturday’s close encounter will offer astronomers the chance to study a space rock from just over 100,000 miles (168,000 kilometers) away. That’s less than half the distance from here to the moon, making it visible through binoculars and small telescopes.

While asteroid flybys are common, NASA said it’s rare for one so big to come so close — about once a decade. Scientists estimate its size somewhere between 130 feet and 300 feet (40 meters and 90 meters).
 
Discovered a month ago, the asteroid known as 2023 DZ2 will pass within 320,000 miles (515,000 kilometers) of the moon on Saturday and, several hours later, buzz the Indian Ocean at about 17,500 mph (28,000 kph).

“There is no chance of this ‘city killer’ striking Earth, but its close approach offers a great opportunity for observations,” the European Space Agency’s planetary defense chief Richard Moissl said in a statement.
 
Astronomers with the International Asteroid Warning Network see it as good practice for planetary defense if and when a dangerous asteroid heads our way, according to NASA.

The Virtual Telescope Project will provide a live webcast of the close approach.

The asteroid won’t be back our way again until 2026. Although there initially seemed to be a slight chance it might strike Earth then, scientists have since ruled that out.
 

Asteroid

Could

Wipe

Out

City

Near

Don't Fear

Science

Space

Subscribe to our VOD
SUBSCRIBE
Our visitors readings
d-none hideMe
LBCI
Middle East News
07:00

Israel says 'very dangerous' to be minority in Sharaa's Syria

LBCI
Lebanon News
2025-07-17

Lebanon moves forward on cannabis, aviation regulation, pushes back telecom, energy appointments

LBCI
Middle East News
04:40

President al-Sharaa says Syria is not a battleground for secessionist agendas, praises US support for national unity

LBCI
Middle East News
04:56

Israeli army says dozens of Israelis crossed border into Syrian Druze village

Videos
d-none hideMe
LBCI
Lebanon News
2025-07-15

Pregnant journalist Petra Abou Haidar attacked in road rage assault

LBCI
Lebanon News
2025-07-01

Massive fire erupts at unregulated dumpsite in Bchannine, Zgharta district

LBCI
Lebanon News
2025-06-10

Clash between Lebanese Army and residents of Deir Qanoun Al Nahr results in injuries (Video)

LBCI
Lebanon News
2025-06-04

Mexico dedicates garden around Lebanese Emigrant Statue in Beirut to mark 80 years of diplomatic ties

LBCI
Lebanon News
2025-05-19

President Aoun to seek Egyptian support for Lebanese Army in detecting explosives and tunnels

LBCI
Lebanon News
2025-05-15

LBCI Exclusive: US steps up pressure on Hezbollah, Morgan Ortagus details sanctions and vision for Lebanon's future

LBCI
Lebanon News
2025-05-11

Kuwait rolls out official welcome for Lebanon's President Aoun – video

LBCI
Lebanon News
2025-05-11

Security incidents temporarily disrupt voting in several Akkar and Minieh-Danniyeh centers

LBCI
News Bulletin Reports
2025-05-09

EU ambassador says 'we are not just donors, but genuine partners to Lebanon': Insights from exclusive LBCI interview

Most read
d-none hideMe
24 hours
7 days
Month
LBCI
Lebanon News
14:33

Naim Qassem: Disarming Hezbollah is an Israeli demand, be patient with the exclusivity of weapons

LBCI
News Bulletin Reports
13:00

Lebanon's banking future: BDL enlists US firm to tackle unregulated economy, Hezbollah-linked cash flows

LBCI
News Bulletin Reports
13:10

From cargo to connectivity: Tripoli Port poised for regional role with strategic development projects

LBCI
Lebanon News
01:56

PM Salam dismisses claims of Hezbollah handing weapons to Israel

LBCI
News Bulletin Reports
12:50

Israeli involvement in Syria: Israel expands military presence in southern Syria under guise of Druze aid

LBCI
Lebanon News
05:43

Cyprus Energy Ministry to LBCI: No official statement yet on power line project to Lebanon

LBCI
Lebanon News
09:22

Lebanese Army warns against security breaches, calls for unity amid challenges

LBCI
Lebanon News
11:35

Walid Jumblatt urges an end to incitement in Lebanon, calls for ceasefire in Syria's Sweida

Download now the LBCI mobile app
To see the latest news, the latest daily programs in Lebanon and the world
Google Play
App Store
Download now the LBCI mobile app
We use
cookies
We use cookies to make
your experience on this
website better.
Accept
Learn More