Earth
Asteroid 2012 DA14
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| (Photo courtesy of Andrew Fitzpatrick) |
Hold on tight, George Mason University. On Feb. 15, the day after Valentine’s Day, asteroid 2012 DA14 will pass extremely close to Earth. With a size of about 150 feet (45 meters), this asteroid is relatively small. Traveling at a speed of 12,500 mph, asteroid 2012 DA14 is flying eight times faster than a rifle bullet.
If it were to crash in to Earth, it would be the equivalent of a 2.4 megaton bomb. The impact wouldn’t be a global catastrophe, but it would destroy a large area. Asteroid 2012 DA14 will come as close as 17,000 miles to Earth, which is really not that far away in space.
Mason celebrates Earth Week
|George Mason University will continue its celebration of Earth Week until April 30. The “week,” which focuses around Earth Day on April 22, spans over a series of several weeks starting in March. The events aim to enlighten members of the community on environmental issues and demonstrate how everyone can help keep the planet healthy.