Massive asteroid to fly past Earth on thanksgiving: What you need to know

On November 26, asteroid 2006 WB, roughly the size of a large building, will safely pass Earth at a distance of 2.3 lunar miles. Discovered in November 2006 by the Catalina Sky Survey, this asteroid is approximately 100 meters in diameter. While its exact size is uncertain, radar scans conducted at Arecibo suggested a rotation period of around 8 hours shortly after its discovery.

As asteroid 2006 WB approaches Earth, it will cover about 140 degrees of the sky and come within 891,000 kilometers (0.0059 AU) of our planet. During its close flyby, it will brighten to about the 13th magnitude, enabling astronomers to conduct detailed spectroscopic observations and gather valuable lightcurve data.

Despite the close encounter, experts reassure that the majority of the 40,000 near-Earth objects (NEOs), including this asteroid, pose no risk to Earth. Recently, a small asteroid, 2024 PT5, was briefly captured in Earth's orbit, offering insights into how our planet's gravity influences nearby celestial bodies.

Nick Moskovitz, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory, emphasizes that while we may have limited knowledge about these asteroids, the rapid discovery of new NEOs is due to advancements in telescopic technology. He highlights the impressive capabilities of modern surveys that scan the night sky, resulting in frequent asteroid discoveries.

Looking ahead, the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile, equipped with an 8-meter telescope and set to begin operations next year, will enhance our ability to track and detect NEOs. This facility, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation, will provide even more lead time for asteroid detection, marking an exciting future for space exploration and safety.