Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

An asteroid the size of a mountain is passing us by right now

Don’t worry, it won’t crash into us.

2004bl86_s NASA NASA

AN ASTEROID THE size of a mountain is due to shave by Earth around now, in a rare type of flyby that will not be seen for another decade.

It was due to pass us by at around 4pm.

The asteroid, known as 2004 BL86, runs no risk of a colliding with Earth and will be about three times farther than the Moon when it passes.

At the time of its closest approach today, the asteroid will be about 1.2 million kilometres from Earth.

Special event

As asteroid events go, this one is special because the space rock is so much larger than most, measuring about a third of a mile across (0.5 kilometres).

The majority of near-Earth objects are 15 to 30 metres in diameter.

“It’s the largest known space rock predicted to come this close to us until 2027,” said Sky and Telescope magazine

- © AFP, 2015

Read: Hundreds of us saw that ‘giant fireball’ this week — but where did it land?>

Author
View 19 comments
Close
19 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mad Mike
    Favourite Mad Mike
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 4:40 PM

    So, these things occur once every ten years or so, and The Journal tells us about it a half and hour too late???

    Way to go.

    Why bother reporting it at all?

    Might as well just wait for the next one.

    In other news that you might have missed:

    The deadline for journalist of the year competition closes at 16:40 today. Damn, you just missed it.

    283
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hal Pacino
    Favourite Hal Pacino
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 4:49 PM

    You’re mad mike

    83
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Charles Coughlan
    Favourite Charles Coughlan
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 5:36 PM

    No point looking for it as it’s passing in broad daylight, pick up your binoculars and have a look for Comet Lovejoy tonight instead, it’s near the constellation of 7 sisters

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Roche
    Favourite Paul Roche
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 4:40 PM

    Bruce Willis RIP

    70
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hal Pacino
    Favourite Hal Pacino
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 4:35 PM

    Thought it was my ex!

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute dj dangermouse
    Favourite dj dangermouse
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 4:48 PM

    What’s her number?.ill take any size.

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hal Pacino
    Favourite Hal Pacino
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 4:59 PM

    You don’t need her number you will see her from anywhere.

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Atticus the Accuser
    Favourite Atticus the Accuser
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 5:37 PM

    Nothing Paul O’Connell couldn’t move with a massive shoulder charge.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute jack frost
    Favourite jack frost
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 4:48 PM

    I cant see it !!!

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Carino
    Favourite David Carino
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 5:00 PM

    That’s cause your eyes melted this morning

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John
    Favourite John
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 5:48 PM

    1.2 million km from Earth. Has it been re zoned for social housing?

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Harvey Specter
    Favourite Harvey Specter
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 5:20 PM

    No I’m just high my apologies

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chewey Bacca
    Favourite Chewey Bacca
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 6:16 PM

    You gotta feel sorry for counties that have no mountains or natural beauty. Only 1.2m Kms away from a free one. Maybe in 2027 Offaly, Meath, Longford your time will come.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Well Oil beef hooked
    Favourite Well Oil beef hooked
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 10:30 PM

    Any chance there is an online site that will have photos of it up ??? love to read about these occurrences but gets annoying when as usual you can see Sweet Fk all here because it’s nearly always clouded over in this country

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Harvey Specter
    Favourite Harvey Specter
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 4:34 PM

    Space invaders

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Louise Ní Riain
    Favourite Louise Ní Riain
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 4:39 PM

    Flying saucer

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Al Beebak
    Favourite Al Beebak
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 5:11 PM

    Were u at the rowntrees randoms again?

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michael Sands
    Favourite Michael Sands
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 10:40 PM

    But is it the size of Benbulbin or the size of Everest?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute tractor1000
    Favourite tractor1000
    Report
    Jan 26th 2015, 8:11 PM

    And should we be worried about anything in 2027??? No? Just so we can get the umbrellas ready

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds