A massive asteroid, known as the “Planet Killer,” is set to pass by Earth on Thursday, June 27. This space rock, designated 2011 UL21, is among the closest asteroids to approach our planet. With an estimated diameter of 2.5 kilometers, it is one of the largest potentially hazardous asteroids.
‘Planet Killer’ asteroid approaches Earth
First discovered in 2011, 2011 UL21 orbits the sun every three years. According to the European Space Agency, it is larger than 99% of known near-Earth asteroids. The asteroid will come within 4.1 million miles of Earth, which is 17 times the distance between Earth and the moon.
Despite its proximity, 2011 UL21 poses no collision threat. It briefly had a 1 in a million chance of impacting Earth in 2029, but that probability dropped to 1 in 71 million by November 2, 2011. The asteroid is also notably bright, with an absolute magnitude of 15.8, according to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
When and how to watch asteroid 2011 UL21’s approach live
Celestial events like meteor showers and asteroid flybys are must-sees for skygazers. Those interested in watching 2011 UL21’s near-Earth approach can tune in to a free livestream from the Virtual Telescope Project. The stream will feature views from the Bellatrix Astronomical Observatory in Ceccano, Italy.
The livestream will begin on June 27 at 1 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. ET, with the asteroid’s closest approach occurring approximately 15 minutes later. Due to its large size and brightness, the asteroid can also be observed through a decent telescope in the night sky. It will be visible across the Northern Hemisphere at its brightest on June 28 and 29.
