How to See the Giant Asteroid That Will Pass by Earth This Weekend

A large asteroid is set to pass by Earth on June 27, reaching a distance of 2.56 million kilometers. While it will not be visible to the naked eye, it can be observed using telescopes or astronomical binoculars.
Why it matters
Tracking near-Earth objects is critical for planetary defense and scientific research, while providing public interest in astronomical events.
The closest approach will occur on Saturday, June 27, when the asteroid will pass 2.56 million kilometers (1.59 million miles) from Earth—a distance equivalent to 6.6 times the distance between Earth and the moon. The object—with a diameter estimated to be between 700 meters and 1.6 kilometers—will not come this close again until 2133, according to the ESA.
The content is purely factual and scientific, focusing on astronomical data and observation instructions.
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