Asteroid DA-14 nears earth
Updated: February 14, 2013
This week NASA and many astronomers around the world are watching an asteroid get closer to earth. Asteroids have hit in the past, and many people want to know what this current one will do.
Astronomers call it DA-14. It's about half the size of a football field and was first discovered a year ago. Scientists have been keeping an eye on it ever since.
One UI professor says the asteroid doesn't pose any danger to us or the earth, even though it will be closer to our planet than our GPS satellites. It will also come closer than any other asteroid has ever been without hitting the earth.
Since it will be so close, astronomers will continue to keep their eyes on the sky. It passes Friday afternoon, but we won't be able to see it from Central Illinois.
Astronomers call it DA-14. It's about half the size of a football field and was first discovered a year ago. Scientists have been keeping an eye on it ever since.
One UI professor says the asteroid doesn't pose any danger to us or the earth, even though it will be closer to our planet than our GPS satellites. It will also come closer than any other asteroid has ever been without hitting the earth.
Since it will be so close, astronomers will continue to keep their eyes on the sky. It passes Friday afternoon, but we won't be able to see it from Central Illinois.
