Asteroid 2018 RE2 flew past Earth at 0.99 LD on September 6
A newly discovered asteroid designated 2018 RE2 flew past Earth at a distance of 0.99 LD / 0.00255 AU (381 474 km / 237 037 miles).
2018 RE2 belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids. It was first observed at Palomar Mountain (ZTF) on September 7, one day after it made its closest approach.
Its estimated diameter is 5.3 and 12 m (17.3 – 39.3 feet) and it flew past Earth at a speed (relative to the Earth) of 8.73 km/s.
[ Ephemeris | Orbit Diagram | Orbital Elements | Mission Design | Physical Parameters | Close-Approach Data ]
This is the now the 43rd known asteroid to flyby Earth within 1 lunar distance since the start of the year. Between January 1 and September 9, a total of 45 known asteroids flew past us within 1 LD.
Over the past 9 days, 5 known asteroids flew within the same distance.
Reference:
Asteroid 2018 RE2 at Minor Planet Center; at CNEOS
Featured image credit: CNEOS
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