Scientists are tracking an asteroid the size of a bus which is expected to make a “close” pass of Earth in the next few days.
The asteroid, named 2012 TC4, hasn’t been seen for five years since it was first discovered in 2012, when there were fears that it could fly dangerously close to Earth.
NASA predict that TC4 will fly past Earth on October 12 at a distance of about 27,000 miles, giving scientists an opportunity to test out planetary defence technology.
Michael Kelley, a NASA scientist, said: “We are using this asteroid flyby to test the worldwide asteroid detection and tracking network, assessing our capability to work together in response to finding a potential real asteroid threat.”
What is Asteroid 2012 TC4?
Asteroid 2012 TC4 was discovered in 2012 and has been observed by the European Space Agency using one of the 8.2-meter telescopes at its Very Large Telescope Observatory.
It is estimated to be between 30 and 100 feet in size and is travelling at about 30,000 mph.
The asteroid has not been seen since its discovery in 2012, as it has been too distant and too faint to be detected.
Scientists think that TC4 may be slightly larger than the space rock that hit Earth’s atmosphere near Chelyabinsk, Russia, in February 2013.
How close will Asteroid 2012 TC4 come to Earth?
NASA expect that Asteroid TC4 will pass Earth at a distance of about 27,000 miles (43,500 kilometres).
However there is a small chance that it could come as close as 4,200 miles (6,800 kilometers) from the surface of our planet.
Some scientists fear that the asteroid could hit satellites orbiting Earth.
Rolf Densing, head of the European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany, said: “It’s damn close.
“The farthest satellites are 22,400 miles (36,000 kilometres) out, so this is indeed a close miss.
“As close as it is right now, I think this prediction is pretty safe, meaning that it will miss.”
What time will Asteroid 2012 TC4 pass Earth?
NASA say that on Thursday October 12, Asteroid TC4 will safely fly past Earth.
Earthsky.org say TC4 will come closest to Earth around 6:42am BST.
Later in the day at 8:19pm BST, the asteroid will pass some 172,000 miles (277,000 km) from the Moon.
How to watch a livestream of Asteroid 2012 TC4
Unfortunately for amateur astronomers, the asteroid will not be visible with the naked eye and will require a telescope to be seen.
On Thursday, October 12 at 1am BST Slooh.com will host a live-stream, with telescopes trained on TC4 and commentary from experts Gerard Monteux, Paul Cox and Paige Godfrey.
To watch Slooh.com live-stream click here.