Giant Asteroid Visible From Backyard
- Asteroid 2023 BU, discovered in January 2023, is estimated to be between 33 and 148 feet (10 to 45 meters) in diameter.
- On January 26, 2024, asteroid 2023 BU made an exceptionally close approach to Earth, passing within approximately 2,200 miles (3,540 kilometers) of the southern tip of South America.
- Despite its relatively small size, the asteroid was possibly visible to observers with small telescopes during its closest approach.
Close Encounter: Asteroid 2023 BU to Pass Closer Than Some Satellites
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What is Asteroid 2023 BU?
Asteroid 2023 BU, discovered in January 2023, is estimated to be between 33 and 148 feet (10 to 45 meters) in diameter. This places it in the category of near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) – objects whose orbits bring them within 120 million miles (193 million kilometers) of the Sun, and therefore close to earth’s orbital path. the Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) at NASA provides detailed information on NEAs and their trajectories. NASA’s CNEOS continuously monitors thes objects.
The January 26, 2024 Flyby
On January 26, 2024, asteroid 2023 BU made an exceptionally close approach to Earth, passing within approximately 2,200 miles (3,540 kilometers) of the southern tip of South America. This distance is closer than many geostationary satellites, which orbit at roughly 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above the Earth. The close approach was initially concerning, but NASA quickly determined the asteroid posed no risk of impact.
Visibility and Observation
Despite its relatively small size, the asteroid was possibly visible to observers with small telescopes during its closest approach. Observers in areas with clear, dark skies had the best chance of spotting it as a faint point of light moving across the constellation Camelopardalis.Light pollution substantially hindered visibility in urban areas.The brightness of the asteroid depended on its size and reflectivity, as well as its distance from Earth.
Why is this Significant?
The close flyby of 2023 BU provided a valuable opportunity for astronomers to study a near-Earth asteroid up close. Observations gathered during the encounter help refine our understanding of asteroid characteristics, orbits, and potential impact risks. These data contribute to ongoing efforts to catalog and track NEAs, improving planetary defense strategies. NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office leads these efforts.