Do not miss the last supermoon of 2019 and the flyby of asteroids close to the Earth

Skywatchers may want to have its telescopes handy this week when an asteroid twice as big as the one that exploded over Russia in 2013 flies over the Earth Thursday night. Oh, and there will also be the third and last super-moon of the year this week.

No need to worry, however, the near-Earth object will pose no danger to the earthlings down when it will approach the blue planet of just over 300 000 km, or about eight tenths of the distance between the Earth and the Moon. , according to NASA.

Those wishing to take a look at the asteroid 2019 EA2 should go out with their telescope, as the asteroid will be too small to be seen at the nude eye around 9 pm. AND. The closest approach is scheduled for 21:53. Thursday March 21th.

The object travels through space at a speed of 3.3 miles per second, or 11,185 mph and is about 59 feet to 134 feet wide. According to NASA, asteroids are rocky objects dating back to the formation of the solar system about 4.6 billion years ago and revolving around the sun. NASA data indicate that there are currently more than 700,000 known asteroids in our solar system.

But wait, there is more

If you thought it was the only astronomical event this week, guess it again. The third and final supermoon of the year will take place on Wednesday, March 20th.

There has been a supermoon every month since the blood wolf super moon that swept the night sky in January, but the next after this month will not take place until March 2020.

More: How to watch the main meteor showers of 2019

More: Here's how to watch the last eclipse of the "blood moon" of the decade

More: January 2019: This month, the moon of great blood, meteor showers and more

"When we talk about supermoons, it really means that the moon in its orbit is just a little closer to Earth than if it were on a different trajectory than its orbit," said Daniel Batcheldor, head of physics and physics. of space. Science at the Florida Institute of Technology, said.

The "super worm equinox moon" will take place at 21:42. AND March 20, according to date and time.

According to National Geographic, the first full moon of March is called the "worm moon", after the time of year when worm tracks reappear on the newly thawed surface.

It is also considered the last full moon of winter. Coincidentally, the full moon occurs on the same day as the vernal equinox – an event considered to be the first day of spring, when the sun creates equal periods of day and night around the world.

Tips from the camera

Events like these highlight photographers – amateurs and professionals alike.

Those wishing to take pictures of the last year's super-moon should bring a tripod and exercise to adjust the white balance of their camera for daylight settings , as well as trying a fast shutter speed with a small aperture, according to NASA.

Jaramillo is a journalist of space trends at FLORIDA TODAY & # 39; HUI.

Contact Jaramillo at 321-242-3668

or [email protected].

Twitter: @ AntoniaJ_11

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