A newly discovered asteroid known as Asteroid 2023 DZ2 will pass between Earth and the moon’s orbit on March 25, 2023. Estimated to be three times the size of the one that caused damage to Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013, the asteroid is expected to remain approximately 107,500 miles (173,000 kilometers) away from Earth during its closest approach. Fortunately, the asteroid’s close proximity to Earth will enable observers to view it with telescopes measuring six inches (15 cm) or larger. Asteroid 2023 DZ2 is an Apollo-class asteroid that crosses Earth’s orbit and is one of many Near-Earth Asteroids (NEA) that are smaller than 10 kilometers. Although the asteroid will pass at 0.5 lunar distances from Earth’s surface, its speed of 17,403 miles per hour (28,008 km/h) is considered slow for an asteroid. The best time to view the asteroid from the Northern Hemisphere will be on the night of March 24, 2023, with clear skies and a telescope.
Asteroid 2023 DZ2 to Pass Closer to Earth than the Moon
Astronomers have discovered a new asteroid known as Asteroid 2023 DZ2, which is set to pass between Earth and the moon’s orbit on March 25, 2023. The asteroid was first observed remotely on March 21, 2023, at the Abbey Ridge Observatory in Canada using a 0.355-m telescope. According to reports from CTV News Canada, the asteroid may be visible with the right telescope.
Asteroid 2023 DZ2 is three times the size of the one that caused damage to Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013, with an estimated diameter of 144 to 325 feet (44 and 99 meters), according to Live Science. The asteroid is known as an Apollo-class asteroid because it crosses Earth’s orbit. These types of asteroids are Near-Earth Asteroids (NEA) that are smaller than 10 kilometers and form the majority of the population of Earth-crossing and Potentially Hazardous asteroids.
Fortunately, the asteroid will remain about 107,500 miles (173,000 kilometers) away from Earth during its closest approach, according to the Virtual Telescope Project. The asteroid orbits the sun every 3.17 years at a speed of 17,403 miles per hour (28,008 km/h), which is considered slow for an asteroid.
Asteroid 2023 DZ2 is expected to pass at 0.5 lunar distances (half the Earth-moon distance) from Earth’s surface, enabling observers to view it with telescopes with a diameter of six inches (15 cm) or larger, reports EarthSky. The asteroid’s closest approach to Earth is thought to be at approximately 19:51 UTC (3:51 p.m. EDT) on March 25, 2023, although the exact time and other details may change with further observations.
The best time to view asteroid 2023 DZ2 from the Northern Hemisphere will be during the night of March 24, 2023. With clear skies and a telescope, it may be possible to witness this exciting astronomical event.
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