Prepare for an Unforgettable Celestial Showcase!
Mark your calendars for an extraordinary cosmic event! A significant asteroid, designated (887) Alinda, is on track to make its closest approach to Earth in a century. The exciting part? You don’t need an elaborate telescope to catch a glimpse; a simple pair of binoculars will suffice.
A Bit of Asteroid History
First identified by German astronomer Max Wolf in 1918, (887) Alinda stands out among its asteroid peers. With an estimated diameter of 4.2 kilometers, it is roughly the same width as Manhattan Island. While asteroids come in various sizes, those exceeding 1 kilometer are quite rare. Thus, this close encounter with (887) Alinda is certainly a noteworthy event.
What Makes This Encounter Special?
According to the Virtual Telescope Project, (887) Alinda ranks among the five largest asteroids that will pass within 15 million kilometers of Earth over the next two centuries. While it poses no threat to our planet, its unique orbit will bring it impressively close during this flyby. In fact, it will come within 0.08220 Astronomical Units of Earth, equivalent to about 12.3 million kilometers, or roughly 32 times the average distance to the Moon.
When and How to Observe
For the next ten days, (887) Alinda will be a prominent feature in the night sky, providing an excellent opportunity for stargazers. If you happen to miss the live feed from the Virtual Telescope, don’t worry—there will be another chance to view this magnificent asteroid on January 12, when it reaches its peak brightness.
Where to Look
So, grab your binoculars or a small telescope and venture outdoors, especially if you’re located in the Northern Hemisphere. Search for (887) Alinda among the constellations of Orion and Gemini—it promises to be a remarkable sight. Close encounters with such sizable asteroids are infrequent, so take full advantage of this unique opportunity.
Looking Ahead
After this approach, the next time (887) Alinda will swing by Earth again is on January 25, 2087. Don’t let this chance to witness a celestial wonder pass you by!
