An asteroid larger than Manhattan is approaching Earth this week, offering a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts. This rare and spectacular phenomenon will not occur again for several decades.
Discovered in 1918, the asteroid 877 Alinda is one of the largest to come close to our planet this century. Although it poses no danger, its passage at 7.5 million miles (12 million kilometers) from Earth makes it an event not to be missed. Amateurs will be able to observe it with binoculars or follow a live broadcast.
An exceptional celestial spectacle
This Sunday is the ideal time to observe Alinda, according to astronomers. With a magnitude of 9.4, the asteroid will not be visible to the naked eye, but 10×50 binoculars will be sufficient to spot it. In France, it will appear around 6:40 PM, peaking at 67° above the southern horizon around midnight.
Alinda is heading towards the constellation of Gemini, providing a clear reference point for observers. Its optimal positioning allows it to appear with good brightness, as the asteroid is aligned with the Earth and the Sun.
An observation accessible to all
For those who prefer to stay warm, the
Virtual Telescope Project offers a live broadcast this Sunday. This initiative allows everyone to enjoy the event without specialized equipment.
The asteroid will remain visible for eleven days, but Sunday marks its peak in terms of brightness and positioning. An opportunity not to be missed, as Alinda will not come this close to Earth again until 2087.
A harmless asteroid
Classified as a near-Earth object, Alinda poses no threat to our planet. Its orbit, although close, does not intersect with that of Earth. With an estimated diameter of 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers), it is one of the five largest asteroids to approach us by 2200.
Its slow rotation, about 28 hours for a complete turn, and its elliptical orbit around the Sun make it an interesting subject of study for astronomers.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND