February 15, 2013
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2012 DA14 Fly-by
In about 9 hours, asteroid 2012 DA14 will make its closest approach to the Earth – it will swing by us at about 17,200 miles (27,700 km) away from the Earth’s surface.
Here’s where I first saw the story: Space.com – Asteroid 2012 DA14 Photos: Earth Flyby of Feb. 15, 2013
Path past Earth at closest approach
NASA graphics of 2012 DA14
The image of the Space Shuttle orbiter next to 2012 DA14 should give you an idea an idea of the asteroid’s size – the Shuttle is 37.24 m (122 ft 17 in) long , while 2012 DA14 is estimated to be about 50 m (160 ft) in size.
Viewing 2012 DA14 from Albuquerque
The Short Version: in the continental United States, DON’T BOTHER – watch the coverage on TV or the net instead.
The Long Version –
From the timeanddate.com page for Albuquerque:
Asteroid Flyby
2012 DA14 asteroid to fly by Earth.
Closest approach is on Friday, February 15, 2013 at 12:24:00 PM time in Albuquerque.
Not visible in Albuquerque at closest approach, the Sun is above horizon at this time.If it was going to be visible from Albuquerque, it would be at an azimuth of about 342-345° – 15-18° to the west of true north, starting in the constellation of Ursa Major, then spending most of the time visible from here in nearby Draco.
Apparent magnitude of 2012 DA14
Still, they should be able to get SOME pictures from the International Space Station – the station’s orbital period is almost 93 minutes, and 2012 DA14 will be relatively close to Earth for about three hours.
“Ohmygawditsgonnahitus!!!!”
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