This mountain-size asteroid will approach Earth this weekend. See if it poses threat to Earth and how to watch

Asteroid (887) Alinda, a large near-Earth object, will be visible this weekend. Stargazing enthusiasts can view this rare celestial occurrence with basic gear or through an online livestream.

Asteroid Alinda

Asteroid (887) Alinda measures 2.6 miles wide, roughly the width of Manhattan. NASA confirmed it approached within 7.6 million miles of Earth on January 8. This asteroid is considered safe, as it won’t make another close pass until 2087.

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When and How to Watch?

Alinda will reach its peak brightness on January 12, with a magnitude of 9.4. While not visible to the naked eye, basic binoculars or telescopes can help view the asteroid in the constellation Gemini, which appears after dark in the Northern Hemisphere.

For those without observation equipment, the Virtual Telescope Project will host a free livestream. The broadcast is scheduled for January 12 at 12:30 p.m. EST on their official YouTube page.

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Rare Occurrence

This flyby is a rare event, occurring once every decade for an asteroid of this size. Experts confirm Alinda is among the five largest asteroids expected to come this close to Earth by 2200.

NASA ensures no known asteroids pose a threat to Earth for at least a century. The recent DART mission demonstrated the feasibility of redirecting potentially dangerous space objects. Future missions aim to refine these planetary defense systems.

The month offers more astronomical events. On January 13, Mars will appear to hide behind the full Wolf Moon. From January 21, six planets, including Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, will align in the evening sky, remaining visible into February.

FAQs

How can I view asteroid Alinda without a telescope?
The Virtual Telescope Project will livestream the event on January 12, making it accessible online without the need for equipment.

Will asteroid Alinda pose any danger to Earth?
No, asteroid Alinda does not pose a threat to Earth. NASA confirms such asteroids are safe for at least the next century.