THE SKY IS FALLING!: Asteroid To Pass Closer To Earth Than The Moon Next Week

According to astronomers, next Tuesday an asteroid the size of an aircraft carrier (~1,300-feet for those of you who don’t like your measurements in naval vessels) will pass closer to earth than the moon’s orbit, hopefully polishing off humanity like the dinosaurs. *readying tractor-beam* “Um, GW — what the f*** are you doing?” YOU STAY OUT OF THIS.

The asteroid, dubbed 2005 YU55, will come within 202,000 miles of Earth, closer than the moon, before zipping farther into space. Carbon-colored and dark, the asteroid measures some 1,300 feet wide. It will be the closest visit by a space rock this size in more than three decades.

“This is not a potentially hazardous asteroid, just a good opportunity to study one,” National Science Foundation astronomer Thomas Statler says. NASA and the NSF plan a series of radar telescope and other observations starting Friday, aimed at mapping the asteroid’s surface and chemistry.

Well, what do you think? “…A leather belt with rocks glued to it?” It’s an asteroid belt. It’s a shame Halloween was Monday because this has ‘first place in a costume contest’ written all over it. “Wow, it literally does.” Haha, sometimes you have to do the judges’ thinking for them.

Asteroid 2005 YU55 will zip by Earth next week [usatoday]

Thanks to Jennie, who agrees now would be a great time to start a cult.

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