Title: Catch a Glimpse of the Celestial Spectacle: A 2.6-Mile Wide Asteroid Whizzes Past Earth
On January 8, 2024, an asteroid as large as the National Mall in Washington D.C. will have a close, yet safe, encounter with Earth, according to experts. This celestial event, occurring at a distance of 7.6 million miles (12.3 million kilometers), is relatively uncommon for such a vast object. In fact, astronomer Giulcua Masi from The Virtual Telescope Project highlighted that such occurrences happen roughly once every decade.
Named (887) Alinda, this near-Earth asteroid is part of a select group set to approach Earth more closely than 9.3 million miles (15 million kilometers) by the year 2200, as per Masi.
Observing (887) Alinda
Currently, Alinda's brightness is at 9.7 magnitude, making it unobservable with the naked eye. However, its brilliance will reach 9.4 magnitude on January 12, 2024, the zenith of its 10-day flyby. The Virtual Telescope Project will be hosting an online observation session on January 12, starting at 17:30 UTC (12:30 p.m. EST).
In the Northern Hemisphere, stargazers can spot Alinda in the constellation Gemini, visible directly after twilight. The constellation remains visible throughout the night, as reported by In-The-Sky. Ideal binoculars for observing this cosmic body are 10x50, offering a reasonable balance between magnification, light collection, and portability.
Details About (887) Alinda
Alinda orbits the sun at a pace roughly four times slower than Earth, taking approximately 3.8 Earth-years to complete one revolution. It was first identified in 1918 and is named after asteroids with similar orbital periods. Alinda asteroids typically reside in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and seldom approach planets closely.
The next time Alinda comes relatively near to Earth will occur in 2087.
Upcoming Cosmic Events
A different, yet equally captivating celestial event is the imminent appearance of Comet ATLAS (C/2024 G3). Its peak visibility will be on January 13, 2024, although it will only be visible from the Southern Hemisphere. This long-period comet originates from the Oort Cloud, an expanse of comets surrounding the solar system, taking 160,000 years to orbit the sun. It was first discovered on April 5, 2023, by the ATLAS network of telescopes.
The "Wolf Moon" will reach its full phase on January 13, 2024. The ideal time to witness its lunar ascent will be on January 14, 2024, during moonrise in your specific locale.
Additionally, on January 13, a unique phenomenon will occur: a near-full moon occulting Mars. This sighting, high in the sky and visible across North America, will take place between 8:44 p.m. EST on January 13 and 00:52 a.m. EST on January 14.
(We wish you clear skies and engaged eyes)
Reference(s):1. Source 12. Source 23. Source 34. Source 45. Source 5
The Virtual Telescope Project also plans to observe Comet ATLAS (C/2024 G3), with its peak visibility scheduled for January 13, 2024. This event is unique as the comet originates from the Oort Cloud and takes 160,000 years to orbit the sun.
During the asteroid Alinda's close encounter with Earth on January 8, 2024, another intriguing event will unfold: a near-full moon occulting Mars. This celestial occurrence will take place between 8:44 p.m. EST on January 13 and 00:52 a.m. EST on January 14, offering an unprecedented sight in the Northern Hemisphere.
While Comet ATLAS (C/2024 G3) will only be visible from the Southern Hemisphere, Mars eclipse time will provide an opportunity for stargazers worldwide to witness a rare cosmic event. This epochal event involving a comet and a planet will be complemented by the Mars occultation, adding astronomical allure to the month of January in 2024.
Comet ATLAS (C/2024 G3) is a long-period comet that originates from the Oort Cloud, making its appearance in 2024 a significant milestone in comet studies. With a peak visibility date of January 13, 2024, comet enthusiasts should prepare for an unforgettable celestial spectacle.
Stargazers looking forward to the anticipated appearances of Comet ATLAS (C/2024 G3) and Mars eclipse time will also encounter the 'Wolf Moon' in its full phase on January 13, 2024. Observing this lunar event gives stellified observers a comprehensive collection of captivating cosmic events to appreciate.
