If you plan to be outdoors around 2 pm EST today, you might want to wear a helmet.
According to Reuters:
A newly discovered asteroid about half the size of a football field will pass nearer to Earth than any other known object of its size on Friday [today], giving scientists a rare opportunity for close-up observations without launching a probe.
At its closest approach, which will occur at 2:24 p.m. EST/1924 GMT, the asteroid will pass about 17,200 miles (27,520 km) above the planet traveling at 8 miles (13 km) per second, bringing it nearer than the networks of television and weather satellites that ring the planet.
Although Asteroid 2012 DA14 is the largest known object of its size to pass this close, scientists say there is no chance of an impact, this week or in the foreseeable future.
Whatever. The Sassistas! think this asteroid ought to have a formal name. Any sassgestions?
Still pondering names, but the first one that came to me was Nancy Grace -- you know that blond broad with her own TV show about crime or whatever. The station she's on is always on on airport monitors, so lately I've seen commercial after commercial featuring her. She irritates the hell out of me.
Posted by: Flannista | February 15, 2013 at 05:08 AM
Wish that thing would hit the FOX News satellite.
Posted by: Flannista | February 15, 2013 at 05:29 AM
I seriously just learned this. Apparently a REAL meteor hit Russia or something and injured 400 people:
http://cosmiclog.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/02/15/16969092-400-injured-as-meteor-fireball-screams-across-sky-in-russia?lite
Posted by: Flannista | February 15, 2013 at 05:40 AM
Wow, Flann, the footage of the Russian meteorite is pretty amazing. In the one police car video, it looked like that fireball was coming right at the police car.
Posted by: treesta | February 15, 2013 at 06:43 AM
I know, treesta. I've looked up some other footage. That thing would have scared the living bejesus out of me.
Now, of course, I'm concerned about flying this morning. Who knows what I'll see while in the air.
Posted by: Flannista | February 15, 2013 at 07:09 AM
Well, it seems that Russia has been the target before. In 1908, an asteroid hit Siberia. Imagine in those days being hit with something like that. Did they think it was a war attack or the end of the world?
The images are pretty scary. Here's an article.
http://www.world-mysteries.com/sci_tunguska.htm
Posted by: Matissta | February 15, 2013 at 07:37 AM
I have to admit, if I had been an eyewitness to yesterday's event in Russia, my first thought would have been, "Is this an attack?"
Posted by: treesta | February 15, 2013 at 08:17 AM
I hope I would have said "wow, how cool is that?"
Will wave to the asteroid on way to Chicago to be with my Mom for her 96th birthday. She fears not asteroids or meteors or anything else falling from the sky...so, I guess I won't either.
Posted by: nowayasista | February 15, 2013 at 08:43 AM
noway, Happy Birthday to your mother! Enjoy her and your time in Chicago.
If I were to see the asteroid pass through Chicago, I would think it'd look much like the World of the Worlds film with Tom Cruise.
Posted by: Matissta | February 15, 2013 at 09:07 AM
Now they're saying 1,000 people have been injured in Russia, and at least one roof collapsed from the concussion from that meteorite exploding as it entered the atmosphere. They're finding fragments of the meteorite in a trail from 50-150 kilometers away from the city over which it exploded. In a lake outside of the town, there is a large hole in the ice.
This fascinates me.
Posted by: treesta | February 15, 2013 at 12:09 PM
BTW Flann, love the choice and position of the images in today's post.
Posted by: Matissta | February 15, 2013 at 12:12 PM
Agree with Matissta. The positioning of today's post was very clever. Gave me a chuckle, anyway.
Posted by: Sista C | February 15, 2013 at 12:40 PM
No asteroid landed here in Taos today, but Justista's writing tore a hole in my heart. That sista can write ... With or without an MFA.
Posted by: PEACEsista | February 15, 2013 at 02:56 PM
Wow and so can Peace and hope great Joy for Noway and his Mom!
Cool photos of earth and chicken.
Posted by: frida | February 15, 2013 at 07:12 PM
Learned this afternoon that Maria, the true heart of this place, was diagnosed with colon cancer last July, had surgery and is finishing chemo. How am I just hearing this? I am very sad. It is like sadness piled on top of sadness. She is a really good woman and I pray that cancer is only part of her PAST. Amen.
Posted by: PEACEsista | February 15, 2013 at 08:42 PM
But it is not all sad. Gwendolyn's wonderful friend Nancy is here and I am getting to know her now, too, which is a great blessing! Taking it ALL in here in Taos, the good with the bad ... just like life ...
Posted by: PEACEsista | February 15, 2013 at 11:28 PM
"Sadness piled on top of sadness."
I am so deeply sorry to hear about Maria, PEACE -- she is indeed a beautiful person and I remember one occasion, in particular, when a conversation with her made me decide to stay at one of the silent retreats I attended rather than bolt.
Gosh, I'm so sorry.
Posted by: Flannista | February 16, 2013 at 05:31 AM