Chapter 1: A Masked Visitor

Asteroid 1998 OR2, which amusingly resembles a figure wearing a face mask, is set to approach Earth at the end of April. Coincidentally echoing current times, this asteroid appears well-equipped with protective gear as it makes its way towards us.

Asteroid (52768) 1998 OR2, comparable in size to Manhattan, will make its closest approach on April 29. Fortunately, there’s no risk of collision—this asteroid not only appears masked but will also maintain a safe distance.

Dr. Anne Virkki, who leads Planetary Radar at the Arecibo Observatory, humorously noted that the asteroid seems to have remembered its face covering before its visit. Mark your calendars for May 5, when Dr. Virkki will join Astronomy News with The Cosmic Companion virtually.

During its closest encounter, this asteroid will pass Earth at a distance of 6.3 million kilometers (3.9 million miles), which is more than 16 times the gap between our planet and the Moon.

The radio images captured by astronomers at the Arecibo Observatory have revealed unique geological features on 1998 OR2. In the context of our pandemic-aware society, these features amusingly resemble a mask.

“The topographical details such as hills and ridges at one end of asteroid 1998 OR2 are scientifically intriguing. Yet, given our current focus on COVID-19, they amusingly evoke the image of a masked asteroid,” Dr. Virkki explained.

Tune in to NEO Radio…

Asteroid 1998 OR2 measures between 1.8 to 4.1 kilometers (1.1 to 2.5 miles) in diameter and completes a rotation every 4.1 hours as it travels between Earth and Mars. This rotation was first hypothesized through optical observations and later confirmed via radio observations at Arecibo.

The asteroid is categorized as a potentially hazardous object (PHO) by NASA, which includes any object exceeding 140 meters (500 feet) that crosses within five percent of the Earth-Sun distance.

Currently, there are no significant objects predicted to collide with Earth in the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, by analyzing known asteroids, astronomers are enhancing their understanding of these celestial bodies and similar entities in our Solar System.

The Arecibo Observatory has been keeping an eye on near-Earth objects since the mid-1990s, monitoring around 60 to 120 objects annually. In 2005, NASA initiated a project aimed at identifying at least 90 percent of hazardous NEOs by 2020.

“The insights gained help NASA assess which objects are of significant concern and what measures can be taken to address potential threats. This information is also crucial in determining which asteroids are the most suitable for scientific missions, as landing on these bodies isn't equally straightforward,” reports Zenaida Kotala from the University of Central Florida.

Chapter 2: Future Encounters

Asteroid 1998 OR2 is projected to pass Earth again on May 18, 2031, at a safe distance of 19 million kilometers (12 million miles). Future encounters in 2048 and 2062 will be even further away, with a closer approach expected on April 16, 2079, at a distance of just 1.8 million kilometers (1.1 million miles). This date will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse visible from the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

At its farthest point, the asteroid travels beyond Mars’ orbit, making it more likely to eventually collide with the Red Planet rather than Earth.

“Most of the time, however, the asteroid follows a trajectory that sends it even further into the solar system, sometimes approaching Jupiter,” notes Katherine J. Wu from Smithsonian Magazine.

Despite the ongoing pandemic, astronomers at the Arecibo Observatory continue their work remotely, with only a small team adhering to health guidelines on-site. It's amusing to think that even asteroids are keeping up with the times by wearing masks.

James Maynard is the founder and publisher of The Cosmic Companion. He resides in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife Nicole and their cat Max.

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