Giant asteroid 2004 BL86 to buzz Earth in celestial 'near miss'

An asteroid called 2004 BL86 is about to zip past the Earth in what qualifies for a near miss in astronomical terms.

Much of the UK is covered with cloud, but clear skies in eastern areas of England and Scotland will provide a good opportunity for astronomers – professional and amateur – to observe the giant asteroid from unusually close quarters. Cloud may break later in central areas too, gallowing a glimpse of asteroid 2004 BL86.

What is 2004 BL86?

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It's a big rock flying through space – an asteroid. This particular example is "relatively large", said Dr Don Yeomans of Nasa, quoted by The Independent.

How is it different from a planet?

The only significant difference is size. The Earth is around 8,000 miles in diameter; BL86 is roughly half a mile across. In fact, the term 'asteroid' is not used by the International Astronomical Union, which prefers to call BL86 a 'minor planet'. Just like our home planet, BL86 orbits the Sun.

Are we all doomed?

No. While the fly-past will be close enough "to be counted as a near miss", according to BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat, it will still be a comfortable 745,000 miles away - about three times the distance to the Moon. Nasa is certain that the asteroid "poses no threat to Earth for the foreseeable future".

When will we see it again?

Yeomans said this was the closest BL86 will come to the earth for the next 200 years, so this is certainly the best opportunity in our lifetimes. In fact, this is the closest any asteroid will come to Earth until 2027, when asteroid 1999 AN10 passes. It could get as close as 19,000 miles.

How can I see it?

Amateur astronomers should be able to watch BL86 with small telescopes, or even just powerful binoculars. Andrew Thornett, a local astronomer, told the Derby Telegraph: "If you look to the south east you will see two bright stars – Jupiter and Sirius. Roughly in between the two you will see a fast moving object, although it won't be very bright."

Eastern parts of the country will have the clearest skies, and areas away from cities, streetlamps and sources of pollution are likely to afford the best views.