Scientists rule out asteroid hit on Earth this Friday
Sunday 10 February 2013
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EmailScientists eased fears today after they ruled out any chance of an asteroid capable of destroying London hitting the planet on Friday.
But there is a remote possibility that it could collide with one of more than 100 telecommunication and weather satellites circling the Earth.
The asteroid, 2012 DA14, has been closely tracked since its discovery a year ago. It is predicted to reach its nearest point to the Earth at around 7.30pm on Friday.
Experts have calculated it will stay at least 17,200 miles away - easily far enough to be safe, but our closest observed shave yet in astronomical terms.
Nottingham Trent University astronomer Dr Dan Brown said: "You'll be able to see it pass from the constellation Leo to roughly the Plough, more or less from anywhere in the UK, and it will be bright for about an hour."
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