Images and video of asteroid 1998 QE2 flyby

E. Guido and N. Howes of Remanzacco Observatory also created this animated image of 1998 QE2.


The large asteroid that swept harmlessly past Earth yesterday (May 31, 2013) left us with another awesome batch of images and video, and a deepening appreciation for the number of asteroids that sweep past Earth on a regular basis. At its closest, asteroid 1998 QE2 was within 3.6 million miles (5.8 million kilometers). That closest approach – 15 times the moon’s distance – took place at 4:59 p.m. EDT on May 31. No danger … and yet this asteroid captured the attention of astronomers worldwide, and even the White House took note, inviting experts for a “We the Geeks” G+ hangout yesterday shortly before closest approach took place (you’ll find a video of that event below). If you’re wondering how many asteroids surround us in space, look at yesterday’s image of the day from EarthSky, a map of asteroid in the inner solar system. Or just check out the images and video below, from astronomers around the world, showing 1998 QE2 at its

source and credit a earthsky