Asteroid 2018 RW flew past Earth at 0.44 LD on September 8
A newly discovered asteroid designated 2018 RW flew past Earth at a distance of 0.44 LD / 0.00114 AU (170 541 km / 105 969 miles) at 05:18 UTC on September 8, 2018. This is the 43rd known asteroid to flyby Earth within 1 lunar distance this year and the second since September 5, third if we count the one expected on September 9.
2018 RW belongs to the Aten group of asteroids. It was first observed at Mt. Lemmon Survey at 09:28 UTC on September 7, one day before its close approach.
Its estimated diameter is between 2.4 and 5.4 m (7.8 – 17.7 feet) and it flew past Earth at a speed (relative to the Earth) of 6.25 km/s.
[ Ephemeris | Orbit Diagram | Orbital Elements | Mission Design | Physical Parameters | Close-Approach Data ]
Reference:
Asteroid 2018 RW at Minor Planet Center; at CNEOS
Featured image credit: CNEOS
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