On Asteroid Day, June 30, astronomers highlight the intriguing science and potential dangers of space rocks. Two asteroids this week are actually observable on Asteroid Day itself! If you’re observing, be sure to use the hashtag #AsteroidDay to help celebrate this special annual event!
In this week’s observing challenge, we have a bumper crop of four asteroids to find, including one that’s important for planetary defense. Find out where and when to observe asteroids in your hometown with our asteroid occultation prediction tool.
Asteroid 2007 McCuskey
- Upcoming Asteroid Occultation: June 30, 2021 in Oceania
- Classification: Carbonaceous (C-type) Main-Belt Asteroid
- Discovery: September 22, 1963 by the Indiana Asteroid Program
Our first asteroid is 2007 McCuskey, a carbonaceous (or C-type asteroid), which is one of the most common types of space rocks. The relatively dark object is named for Sidney McCuskey, an American mathematician and astronomer. 2007 McCuskey measures 16 miles (26 kilometers) across.
Asteroid 2003 WD158
- Planetary Defense Target: Visible June 11-30, 2021
- Classification: Apollo Class Near-Earth Asteroid/ Potentially Hazardous Asteroid
- Discovery: November 30, 2003 by the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) project
If you haven’t already spotted Apollo-class asteroid 2003 WD158 this month, there’s still time. The near-Earth asteroid is completing one of its closest passes by Earth, and won’t be back until 2038. Catch the half-mile-long object before it’s gone!
Asteroid 569 Misa
- Upcoming Asteroid Occultation: June 27, 2021 in North America
- Classification: Main-Belt Asteroid
- Discovery: July 21, 1905 by astronomer Johann Palisa
Another Main-Belt Asteroid, 569 Misa, sits halfway between Mars and Jupiter in the Main Asteroid Belt. Measuring 45 miles (73 kilometers) across, it was first observed over a century ago in Vienna by Austrian astronomer Johann Palisa.
Asteroid 338 Budrosa
- Upcoming Asteroid Occultation: June 27, 2021 in Oceania
- Classification: Main-Belt Asteroid
- Discovery: September 25, 1892 by astronomer Auguste Charlois
Our final Main-Belt Asteroid, 338 Budrosa, is making an appearance for observers in Oceania this week. This large M-type asteroid is about 31 miles (51 kilometers) across and was found in 1892 when French astronomer Auguste Charlois spotted it from Nice.
We encourage you to share your observations and join the conversation through our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages using the hashtag #UnistellarChallenge!
If you’d like to send us your observations by email, send them to community@unistellaroptics.com.
Clear skies! 🔭
