Mountain-sized asteroid to make a close approach to Earth today at 93,000 kmph

Today, the world will witness a celestial event of significant proportions as the asteroid known as 2011 UL21 makes its closest approach to Earth. This mountain-sized space rock, measuring between 1.1 and 2.4 miles in width, is one of the largest asteroids to come within 5 million miles of our planet in over a century. The asteroid, which orbits the sun once every three years, will pass by Earth at a distance of approximately 4.1 million miles, or about 17 times farther than the moon. Despite its size and proximity, 2011 UL21 poses no threat to our planet, either now or in the foreseeable future. However, its size and the close pass have earned it the moniker of a 'planet killer' due to its potential to cause significant damage if it were to impact Earth.

The approach of 2011 UL21 is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of our solar system and the importance of monitoring near-Earth objects (NOs). The European Space Agency (ESA) has been keeping a close eye on this asteroid, and their observations confirm that it will safely pass by Earth without incident.

Astronomers and space enthusiasts around the globe are gearing up to observe this event. The Virtual Telescope Project (VTP), led by astrophysicist Gianluca Masi, will provide a free livestream of the asteroid's approach, sharing views from the Bellatrix Astronomical Observatory in Ceccano, Italy. Masi stated, "It's probably one of the ten biggest asteroids to pass within 4.7 million miles of our planet since 1900." He also noted that while any potential impact from 2011 UL21 would be less extreme than historic collisions, it still has the potential to cause damage on a continental scale.

The close encounter with 2011 UL21 is scheduled to occur after 4 p.m. ET on June 27, 2024. The asteroid will zip past our planet at a speed of around 58,000 mph (93,000 km/h), showcasing the incredible velocities at which these celestial bodies travel through space.

The significance of this event extends beyond the spectacle of the asteroid's approach. It highlights the ongoing efforts in planetary defense and the need for continued vigilance in tracking asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth. While 2011 UL21 is not a danger, it serves as a practice target for astronomers to refine their tracking and prediction capabilities. This event also contributes to our understanding of the composition and behavior of asteroids. Each close approach provides valuable data that can be used to study the physical properties of these

space rocks, including their size, shape, and surface features.

The passage of 2011 UL21 is a cosmic event that will be observed with great interest by the scientific community and the public alike. It is a reminder of the ever-present, albeit distant, neighbors that share our solar system and the importance of keeping a watchful eye on the sky. As the asteroid continues on its journey around the sun.