Asteroid 2005 YU55 close encounter

by Gianluca Masi · 08/22/2012

asteroid 2005 YU trail, imaged at the Virtual Telescope during our live show

Early in November 2011, asteroid 2005 YU55 brushed our planet, coming closer than the Moon! With a diameter of about 400 meters, it was at that time the largest object that was seen passing so close.

The Virtual Telescope managed to organize a pay, exclusive event, to offer a live view on this intriguing rock.

Despite the almost full Moon, with its strong interfeence, it turned out to be an unforgettable experience: 2005 YU 55 was moving VERY fast across the skies, drawing a long trail even in short exposures and amazing the people attending the onlive show.

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