ARLA/CLUSTER: Um "Cometa Rochoso" com 5 km de diâmetro em aproximação da Terra

[João Costa > CT1FBF]

A 'Rock Comet' is approaching Earth

You've heard of comets. But have you ever heard of a rock comet?
They exist, and a big one is approaching Earth this week.

3200 Phaethon will fly past our planet on Dec. 16th only 10 million km away.

Measuring some 5 km in diameter, it is large enough for amateur
astronomers to photograph through backyard telescopes. Moreover, this
strange object is the parent of the annual Geminid meteor shower,
which is also coming this week.

Sky watchers can see dozens of Geminids per hour on Dec. 13th and 14th
as gravelly bits of the rock comet disintegrate in Earth's upper
atmosphere.

Visit today's edition of Spaceweather.com to find out how to observe
the Geminids and their progenitor in the nights ahead.