29/06/2026
Did you do any stargazing this past weekend? 🌌
On Saturday, June 27, near-Earth asteroid 152637, also known as 1997 NC1, made its closest approach to Earth in more than 400 years. While Earth was never in danger, this was still a significant flyby.
At its closest point, the asteroid passed more than six times farther away than the Moon. Scientists estimate 1997 NC1 is between 0.7 and 1.6 kilometers wide. An object of that size, if it ever struck Earth, could create a crater several miles wide and send dust into the atmosphere, affecting climate conditions around the globe.
That is why scientists keep a close eye on near-Earth objects.
Here in Wetumpka, we know better than most that impact events are not just science fiction. They are part of Earth’s history, and our own Wetumpka Impact Crater is a remarkable reminder of the powerful forces that have shaped our planet.
GIF courtesy of Spaceweather.com.