Posted on 06/28/2018 8:04:51 PM PDT by BenLurkin
The space rock is coming for a visit, but it won't get too close for comfort.
T he 4 Vesta asteroid is currently making a drive-by visit to Earth. The asteroid, which reportedly measures more than 300 miles in diameter, is now so close to Earth that at night, you can see it with your very own eyes no telescope required.
...
So why isnt anyone freaking out over this massive rock flying through space so close to Earth? Because even though its so close we can see it in the night sky, its not actually that close at all.
Newsweek reported Thursday that Vesta will be closer to Earth than it has been in 20 years. But close to Earth, in this case, means that its currently about 106 million miles from our planet.
Vesta can currently be seen next to Mars and Saturn in the night sky. For anyone looking for the asteroid in the northern hemisphere, it is northwest of the Sagittarius constellation.
(Excerpt) Read more at inverse.com ...
Well, he ‘discovered’ it in the wreckage............8^)
:^)
It’s remarkable how he laid the groundwork (perhaps dumb luck) for the sequel.
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/wp-content/uploads/June18_Vesta_Findr_600px.jpg
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/wp-content/uploads/Vesta-wide-track.jpg
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.