I’m wondering if the asteroid “could” hit the Earth at some time? does it actually pass through the same spot as the Earth’s orbit?
Photo Credit: NASA
on feb 15/16, a little chunk of rock (45 meters = 150 feet across), known as asteroid 2012 DA14, which has been orbiting around the sun for a long time on a not-quite-circular orbit, will pass close by the earth.
actually, asteroid 2012 DA14 will pass very close to the earth – only 17,200 miles (27,680 kilometers) away, which is closer than the moon’s orbit and even closer than some high-orbiting communications satellites!
but do not worry, asteroid 2012 DA14 will not hit earth.
Photo Credit: NASA via Calgary Herald
the asteroid will not be visible to the naked eye, but should be visible using binoculars to many people across the planet, if you know where and when to look. check out satflare.com or http://www.heavens-above.com/ to see if it will be visible where you are.