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Astronomers spot closest Earth-buzzing asteroid ever recorded :
Astronomers have identified an asteroid that's just made the closest pass to Earth ever recorded – and it was only spotted after it had passed. The object skimmed Earth's atmosphere over the weekend, close enough to have its orbit changed by the planet's gravity.
On August 16, an asteroid designated 2020 QG whizzed past our planet at a distance of only 2,950 km (1,830 mi) above the surface. That's well within the altitude of many satellites, and almost twice as close as the previous record-holder, an asteroid called 2011 CQ1. Of course, this record is about the closest pass to Earth, and doesn't include objects that have impacted the planet.
That said, even if it had hit, asteroid 2020 QG wouldn't have caused any damage. It measures about 3 to 6 m (10 to 20 ft) wide, meaning it would have just burned up in the atmosphere.
Perhaps the Monolith was doing a fly-by.
(Score: 2) by Immerman on Thursday August 20 2020, @02:34PM (3 children)
Ever been buzzed by a fighter jet? I guarantee that doesn't make a buzzing sound either. Funny how language works...
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday August 20 2020, @03:05PM
In space noone can hear you buzz.
Does not mean the saw is not poised to trill the scree, or some such.
After all, do i not read.
Two in orbit does not one in the lee.
Ummm, no more unto the speech....
(Score: 1) by khallow on Thursday August 20 2020, @11:10PM (1 child)
It generates a sound that's a lot closer to a buzz than an asteroid that doesn't pass through significant atmosphere.
(Score: 2) by Immerman on Friday August 21 2020, @03:57AM
Almost, but not quite, totally unlike tea?