Asteroid Florence will soon pass Earth

In summary, Florence is a large asteroid that will pass by Earth on September 1 at a distance of 4.4 million miles. There is an animation and a simulation available on Twitter showing its path from the southern sky to the north. The next similar event is expected in 2027, with a smaller one in 2019. Interestingly, there will be a higher frequency of ~100m sized asteroids in the future compared to the past.
  • #1
tony873004
Science Advisor
Gold Member
1,752
143
Florence is a miles-wide asteroid that will come within 4.4 million miles of Earth on September 1. That's very close for an asteroid this size.

On my twitter is an animation and a link to a simulation of Florence as viewed from Earth. It comes from the southern sky and disappears to the north.

https://twitter.com/tony873004/status/901883012589150208
 
  • Like
Likes rootone and stoomart
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
tony873004 said:
That's very close for an asteroid this size.

Next one appears to be in 2027, although there's one a little smaller in 2019.

Amusing fact - for km sized asteroids, the rate is the same in the future as the past. For ~100m sized, there are many more in the future.
 

1. What is Asteroid Florence and when will it pass Earth?

Asteroid Florence is a large asteroid that was discovered in 1981. It is approximately 2.7 miles (4.4 kilometers) in diameter. It will pass Earth on September 1, 2017.

2. How close will Asteroid Florence come to Earth?

Asteroid Florence will pass by Earth at a distance of 4.4 million miles (7 million kilometers). This is about 18 times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.

3. Is there any danger of Asteroid Florence hitting Earth?

No, there is no danger of Asteroid Florence hitting Earth. Its trajectory has been carefully studied and it will safely pass by our planet.

4. How often do asteroids pass by Earth?

Asteroid flybys are relatively common. In fact, small asteroids pass by Earth every day, but most of them are too small to be detected.

5. What can we learn from the passing of Asteroid Florence?

The passing of Asteroid Florence gives us the opportunity to study its composition, size, and shape. This can provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system.

Similar threads

B Biggest asteroid to pass Earth in 2021
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
NASA's DART spaceship has hit the Dimorphos asteroid: what now?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
2K
B Very close asteroid pass in a few hours
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Massive Football Field-Sized Asteroid Comes Close to Earth
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
27
Views
3K
Stargazing Possibility of detection of Earth approaching objects by gravity?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
12
Views
1K
NEO 2015 TB145: 5 Facts About "Halloween Asteroid
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
1K
B What Could Explain the Mysterious Beam of Plasma Seen in the Sky in 2017?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
8
Views
1K
Coincidence of asteroid and Russian meteor at same time.
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
10
Views
4K
Rocket possible collision with Moon
    • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
19
Views
2K
Is my fictional Solar System stable and realistic?
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top