Christmas Asteroid Doesn't Pose Any Danger as it Reaches Closer Approach to Earth, Report Says

According to a recent report, a large asteroid did not pose any threat as it reached a close approach, which could become visible this week.

Many families have been preparing for the Christmas Holiday and decorations since December began. Malls and stores are expected to be packed with buyers as the Christmas rush comes near.

Psyche spacecraft is displayed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, on April 11, 2022

(Photo : by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
Psyche spacecraft is displayed at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, on April 11, 2022

Many Americans have to deal with severe weather conditions that cause heavy snow, rain and blizzard conditions in the United States. The report added that the weather could be challenging for many residents and travelers as heavy lake-effect snow could unload this week in portions of the Midwest and Western New York.

As reported, portions of the United States suffered from a widespread power outage due to the weather conditions.

On the other hand, AccuWeather's recent news reported that a Christmas Asteroid closely approaches planet Earth this week and becomes visible to many until December 19, 2022.

Also Read: Most-Awaited Astronomy Events This December 2022, From Cold Moon to Meteor Showers

AccuWeather reported that the large Asteroid 2015 RN35 would not cause any danger to Earth. The report explained that it might be challenging for scientists and astronomers to look into the asteroid this week.

According to the European Space Agency (ESA), the 460-foot asteroid is a Christmas Asteroid as it could appear in December or Christmas.

ESA explained that the Christmas Asteroid could pass the planet with a reported distance of 426,000 miles. Although the asteroid is large, it would be safe.

The report said that portions of the South Hemisphere would have the best viewing of the large asteroids, while Northern Hemisphere could see the asteroids until December 19, 2022.

On the other hand, Newsweek reported that the asteroids' chance of impacting Earth was slim. However, the report explained that the asteroid is like a baseball field size. AccuWeather said that the Christmas asteroids could reach a diameter from 206 to 460 feet.

Best viewing conditions

Sighting the asteroid would be a challenge, but it is possible. The ESA Operations' Twitter page posted Christmas Asteroid Challenge, encouraging amateur to pro astronomers to take an image or locate the asteroids.

Astronomy lovers planning to see the amazing sight of asteroids should save the date and best weather conditions. According to the report, viewing the asteroids could require microscopes 30 cm or larger.

ESA also added netizens to share their observations about the asteroids.

Astronomers or astronomy lovers could find the weather conditions challenging to problematic in viewing the asteroids. On the other hand, the viewing conditions could become a difficulty for many residents in America.

Asteroids and NASA

According to NASA's Solar System Exploration, the current asteroid known to experts reached 1,113,527. NASA explained that asteroids are often associated with small to minor planets. Asteroids are said to be rocky, which is believed to be from the remnants of the solar system's formation.

NASA explained that most asteroids could be seen in the asteroid belt or the orbits of Jupiter and Mars. The report added that meteorites help astronomers and scientists the asteroids.