NASA: This large NEO Asteroid to come near Earth tomorrow; WATCH it, know when and where

NASA reports that asteroid 2022 AY6, which measures 20 metres, is set to cross Earth's path on tomorrow.

According to NASA, the 20-mtr Asteroid 2022 AY6 will be passing by Earth on January 18

On Tuesday, January 18, Asteroid 2022 AY6 will fly past planet Earth, according to NASA. The 20-mtr large asteroid has been classified as a Near Earth Object (NEO) and will be making its passage keeping a distance of 489,185 kilometers from our home planet. The asteroid is currently in the constellation of Gemini and making its pass approaching the Earth. Amazingly, the asteroid will be so close to Earth that you can actually WATCH it! The asteroid will be visible in a select location of Greenwich, United Kingdom. Given its magnitude, locals can see it through long exposure photography. Although the asteroid will not be visible to naked eye given its magnitude and the distance between us, fans of astronomy can use a telescope in the North-East direction at 6-degrees above the horizon to see the asteroid.

As far as when to watch the asteroid is concerned, then know that it will rise above Earth's horizon at 7:05 AM IST near Greenwich, UK and will set at 9:21 IST. Due to atmospheric conditions being subject to change, these times can shift slightly with an approximation of a few minutes. What should you know about NASA report on Asteroid 2022 AY6 Earth's latest encounter with an NEO, named by NASA as Asteroid 2022 AY6, is a 20m large celestial body. For reference, it will be approximately the size of a standard 7 storey building. Traveling through the Gemini constellation, at present the asteroid is more than 1 Lakh kilometers away from Earth and quickly traveling in our direction. The astronomical location of the asteroid is at the right ascension of 04h 30m 29s and declination of +38° 01' 29”. For the layman, right ascension and declination act as latitude and longitude for any object in the space.

According to the data from NASA, Asteroid 2022 AY6 will be getting this close to Earth for the first time in 10 years. The asteroid will only be seen again in 2032. After crossing our planet, the asteroid will make its way to the Andromeda constellation on January 18 before moving towards the Capricorn constellation on January 19.

Interestingly, in the next two days, as many as 5 asteroids are expected to fly past Earth, making it an exciting time for scientists and astronomy enthusiasts alike. However, do not forget that asteroids are dangerous and if anything was to cause these space rocks to veer off their present course, they could crash into Earth.