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> On April 13, 2029, asteroid 2004 MN4 will fly past Earth only 18,600 miles (30,000 km) above the ground. For comparison, geosynchronous satellites orbit at 22
by theandrewbailey 5y ago
> On April 13, 2029, asteroid 2004 MN4 will fly past Earth only 18,600 miles (30,000 km) above the ground. For comparison, geosynchronous satellites orbit at 22,300 miles (36,000 km).
Usually clickbait pop-astronomy articles are for a tiny asteroid coming within a million miles (aka 999,000 miles) of Earth, but not stating that the moon is much bigger and much closer. Coming closer than geostationary satellites is notable, and a bit too close for comfort.
- joering2 5y agoNot sure if pop-astronomy - the link directs to NASA site. I decided for title to be somewhat more spicey in hopes it will create a longer and deeper conversation re asteroids and the danger they present to live on Earth. Clickbaity I agree, it is not misleading tho - for close to 15 years we weren't sure whether it will hit or miss. I would argue we are still too far off from the randevou date. At the distance MN4 is today, any collision with another body of even 1% of its weight, could change trajectory dramatically - put Earth on a bullseye path, or "kick" asteroid out of Earth orbit trajectory altogether. We will have to live there to see it, I guess.
- InfiniteRand 5y agoIs there any potential for the asteriod to hit any geostationary satellites?