This Saturday (27), the asteroid 1997 NC1 will pass by Earth, according to the European Space Agency. Experts reinforce that, despite its proximity, it does not pose any danger to the planet. Even so, this approach is considered an important event for astronomers.
According to information released by NASA, the asteroid will pass through the closest point to Earth approximately 2.6 million kilometers away. Although this represents almost seven times the distance between the Earth and the Moon, by astronomical standards it is classified as a large near-Earth asteroid.
Asteroid 1997 NC1 was detected almost 30 years ago by the asteroid observation system in Hawaii. Its diameter is estimated to be between approximately 750 meters and 1.65 kilometers.
Experts note that, despite the asteroid’s proximity to Earth, its orbit does not cross our planet’s orbit. Therefore, there is no reason to worry. It can be seen as a point of light moving across the sky using binoculars or a small telescope.
According to NASA calculations, asteroid 1997 NC1 will pass by Earth again at such a close distance only in the year 2133. For this reason, its current passage is considered one of the rare and interesting astronomical events for space enthusiasts.
