On November 30, 2023, the near-Earth asteroid (433) Eros will pass closely by the Andromeda Galaxy, offering a unique opportunity for skywatchers to observe this celestial event live. The Virtual Telescope Institute, in collaboration with the Asteroid Foundation, will host a livestream starting at 3 p.m. EST (2000 GMT), featuring telescopic views and expert commentary.
The livestream will be led by Gianluca Masi, founder of the Virtual Telescope Project. He emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “Having such an important near-Earth asteroid just a couple of degrees away from the legendary Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31) is a precious opportunity to share both the importance of these kinds of minor planets and the beauty of our cosmic neighbor.” The event will be broadcast from Manciano, Italy, assuming weather conditions permit clear viewing.
Eros, which is expected to be approximately 37 million miles (60 million kilometers) from Earth during the event, was the first near-Earth asteroid discovered in 1898. It was later visited by NASA’s NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft, which made history on February 12, 2001, by landing on the asteroid’s surface. Eros has a diameter of about 20 miles (33 kilometers), and its close approach to Andromeda will create a fascinating visual spectacle.
Viewing Eros and Andromeda
Skywatchers will have an excellent opportunity to observe both Eros and Andromeda in the hours following sunset on November 30. Eros will shine brightly at around magnitude 10, making it visible even with a modest telescope, such as a 60 mm model. Astronomers use magnitude to quantify the brightness of celestial objects; lower numbers indicate brighter objects.
To locate Andromeda, viewers can use the constellation Cassiopeia as a guide. A star-finding app can assist in identifying this constellation, which features a distinctive W shape. By locating the uppermost three stars in Cassiopeia, viewers can point towards Andromeda, which is positioned a staggering 2.5 million light-years from Earth.
Masi highlighted the rarity of such an event, stating, “Thanks to its large size, Eros will be easily observable, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate both the asteroid’s significance and the vastness of our universe.”
For those interested in exploring the night sky, it’s advisable to check out a selection of binoculars and telescopes, particularly as the year progresses into 2025. The upcoming event not only showcases a fascinating astronomical occurrence but also serves as an educational opportunity about the characteristics and importance of near-Earth objects.
This live viewing of Eros provides a chance for enthusiasts and newcomers alike to engage with the wonders of our cosmic environment, reinforcing the connection between Earth and the distant realms of space.
