3200 Phaethon: Everything We Know About 'Potentially Dangerous' Giant Asteroid Hurtling Toward Earth

3200 Phaethon: Everything We Know About 'Potentially Dangerous' Giant Asteroid Hurtling Toward Earth

The 3200 Phaethon, a three-mile-wide asteroid, is slated to hurtle past Earth Saturday for the first time in nearly 45 years, according to NASA. The asteroid orbits the planet every 523 days, often coming within differing ranges from Earth. It was first discovered October 11, 1983. The asteroid has been deemed as "potentially hazardous" by NASA due to the close proximity its expected to 
brush past Earth.

3200 Phaethon: Everything We Know About 'Potentially Dangerous' Giant Asteroid Hurtling Toward Earth

It's One Of The Third Largest Near-Earth Asteroids

NASA affirmed that the 3200 Phaethon is three miles wide. This would qualify it as the third biggest close Earth space rock to date. 1999 JM8 is the main biggest space rock to float past Earth at 7 kilometers, with the 4183 Cuno being the second greatest at 5.6 kilometers.

It Likely Won't Harm The Earth

While the 3200 Phaethon is being viewed as a conceivably unsafe space rock (PHA), the probability that it would cause hurt is exceptionally thin. It is the third biggest close Earth space rock, yet it won't approach the planet sufficiently close to inspire genuine harm. 

"This 'potential' to make close Earth approaches does not mean a PHA will affect the Earth," NASA composed on its Center for Near Earth Object's segment for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). "It just means there is a probability for such a risk." 

"By checking these PHAs and refreshing their circles as new perceptions wind up plainly accessible, we can better anticipate the nearby approach insights and in this manner their Earth-affect danger," NASA included. 

It's Safe To View

The space rock is thought to be protected to see, however it can't be taken a gander at with bare eye alone. Since its excessively diminish, intrigued people might have the capacity to get a look at it with a telescope, as per NASA's proposal. It has just been unmistakable for a little while by looking through a little telescope. 

Where The Asteroid's Name Comes From

The 3200 Phaethon's name was propelled by the Greek legendary child of Helios, known as Phaethon. Phaethon asked Helios to permit him the chance to drive the chariot of the sun. Helios, who is a divine being, offered in to his child's requests and gave him consent to drive the chariot. Phaethon's inability ended up being risky as he figured out how to lose control of the steeds hauling the chariot and veered out, setting the Earth on fire.