Near miss: "2001 FO32" passing the 3rd rock from the sun

[StefanR5R]

Today, an asteroid with the rather numerical name 2001 FO32 is going to pass Earth at a distance of 6.6e9 feet. Sounds close — and it is. But it's still several times the distance between Earth and Moon. Inhabitants of the South half of this rock, or near the equator, may have a peek if they bring good glasses.

But be quick: This thing is speeding at 77,000 mph, and it will be a wile until the next opportunity to look from up close, in 2052.

(news item from Center for Near Earth Object Studies, NASA/JPL-Caltech)

[crashtech]

One of these days, our luck will run out!

[Skillz]

Roughly 1Km wide that thing could do some serious damage if it hits us.

[crashtech]

"Bend over and kiss your ass goodbye."

[Skillz]

Bending over is optional*