Can we see Asteroid 2005 YU55?

Question

I know this asteroid will be passing closest to earth today, and I was just wondering if there was a website where we could watch it?? I know we can't see it with the naked eye (at least that's what the websites are telling me).

But it would be amazing to actually see it!!

digquickly · Accepted Answer

Well, ..., 6:28PM EST would be the closest approach but you can still observe it for a several hours after closest approach (If you have at least a 6" diameter telescope and some dark clear skies). Follow the website information below for observing tips.

Satan Claws · Answer

I was just wondering if there was a website where we could watch it? Try these: - http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2011/11/07/just-to-be-clear-asteroid-yu55-is-no-danger-to-earth/ - http://www.skyandtelescope.com/community/skyblog/observingblog/133013563.html - http://www.spaceweather.com/ They won't help you, though. The people who'll be watching will be too busy to relay it in real time; you'll just end up reading about it after they're done (maybe a couple of days later). Can we see Asteroid 2005 YU55? No, it's too faint to be seen with naked eyes. You'll need a telescope 6 inch wide or wider.

DLM · Answer

It will be too close to the Sun in the sjy during its closest approach,  Best ground-based observations will come from optical and infrared telescopes in western Africa and Eastern North America a few hours after its closest approach to us, in the evening sky, around 21:00 UTC.  It will be a challenging target to follow because of its fast motion across our sky...

Andrea · Answer

No, we will not be able to see it. 6"-8" telescope required.
Also if it were to hit the water, it would cause tsunamis of the largest scale we've ever seen. Millions of people would die...If it hit land, it would send clouds of dust around the earth, and cause massive tectonic shifts causing earthquakes and tsunamis. Either way, if it hit the earth would be done for.

Anonymous · Answer

Morning glory where did you even hear about this thing hitting us? Even so we have a 2/3 chance of it just landing in water. 
Regardless I doubt you will see it with a naked eye.

Anonymous · Answer

Yes at 6:28 cst or 7:28 est

? · Answer

Not with the naked eye with a telescope yes. purloincloth ( responce ) if it landed in the water we all would still die!

? · Answer

I think space.com said that we would be able to see it with binoculars.

Morning_Glory · Answer

yes you will be able to see it I think it actual going to hit earth which sucks

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Can we see Asteroid 2005 YU55?

9 Answers