MelchyBeau
07-02-2006, 04:26 PM
[ QUOTE ]
A giant space rock is set to whizz past the Earth on Monday under the close scrutiny of astronomers.
The mountain-sized object has been classed as a "potentially hazardous asteroid" but scientists say there is no danger of a collision.
Asteroid 2004 XP14, as it is called, is expected to be visible through good amateur telescopes.
It is set to make its closest approach to Earth, above the west coast of North America, at 0444 GMT.
At this time it will be about 268,873 miles (432,709km) from the Earth, only 1.1 times the planet's distance from the Moon.
[/ QUOTE ]
BBC Link (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5133900.stm)
A giant space rock is set to whizz past the Earth on Monday under the close scrutiny of astronomers.
The mountain-sized object has been classed as a "potentially hazardous asteroid" but scientists say there is no danger of a collision.
Asteroid 2004 XP14, as it is called, is expected to be visible through good amateur telescopes.
It is set to make its closest approach to Earth, above the west coast of North America, at 0444 GMT.
At this time it will be about 268,873 miles (432,709km) from the Earth, only 1.1 times the planet's distance from the Moon.
[/ QUOTE ]
BBC Link (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5133900.stm)