Asteroid 2017 QN2 to flyby Earth at 0.57 LD on August 20, 2017
A newly discovered asteroid designated 2017 QN2 will flyby Earth at a distance of 0.57 LD (~ 218 880 km / 136 005 miles) on August 20, 2017. This is the 27th known near-Earth asteroid to flyby Earth within 1 lunar distance since the start of the year (according to data available September 20, 2017).
This asteroid was first observed on August 18, 2017. So far, there are only 10 observations used to determine its orbit parameters. Thus, this object has MPC "U" parameter (orbit uncertainty estimate) of 8 (on a scale of 0 – 9, with 9 being highly uncertain).
[ Ephemeris | Orbit Diagram | Orbital Elements | Physical Parameters | Close-Approach Data ]
2017 QN2 belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids. Its estimated size is between 5.6 and 13 m (18 and 42 feet).
It will make the closest approach to our planet at 21:54 UTC at a distance of 0.57 LD (~ 218 880 km / 136 005 miles) and flyby us at a speed (relative to the Earth) of 15.32 km/s.
References:
Asteroid 2017 QN2 at Minor Planet Center; at CNEOS
Featured image: The green line indicates the object's apparent motion relative to the Earth, and the bright green marks are the object's location at approximately one-hour intervals. The Moon's orbit is gray. The blue arrow points in the direction of Earth's motion and the yellow arrow points toward the Sun. Credit: Minor Planet Center
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