This asteroid is a giant of giants and one of the biggest objects to get close to Earth in 2020. This asteroid is still classified to be a potentially hazardous asteroid even though it will miss Earth by 3.9 million miles, which is around 16.36 LD (Lunar Distance). This sleeping giant measures over 2.5 miles across (4.1 km), which is about the distance of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge put together.

This will be a rare opportunity where people will be able to observe the asteroid from Earth using a small telescope. If you don’t have a large enough telescope, the Rome-based Virtual Telescope Project already has you covered. They will have a live stream that will begin on April 28.

EarthSky.org is providing a chart and tips if you are planning to view this once in a lifetime phenomenon. Click here.

If you are expecting a light show, unfortunately, there will not be one. There will be no trailing taillight like a comet nor a striking fireball like a falling star entering the atmosphere. The object will only look like a slow-moving star moving through the night skies.

Check out the orbital path of Asteroid 52768 (1998 OR2).