Small asteroid swings harmlessly past Earth
A file photo of Earth taken from the U.S. spacecraft Messenger en route to the planet Mercury. (August 2,2005) Credit: Getty Images
An asteroid the size of a tour bus has zipped harmlessly past Earth.
The space rock flew 7,600 miles above the Earth's surface. It sailed high above the southern Atlantic Ocean at closest approach.
The asteroid was discovered last week by telescopes in New Mexico. It is between 15 feet and 60 feet wide. Scientists say asteroids this size sail past Earth every six years.
Earlier this year, a smaller space rock came within 3,400 miles of Earth.
Labor Day weekend travel forecast NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa spoke with Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of public affairs for AAA Northeast, about some of the best and worst times to travel during the holiday weekend.
Labor Day weekend travel forecast NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa spoke with Robert Sinclair Jr., senior manager of public affairs for AAA Northeast, about some of the best and worst times to travel during the holiday weekend.
