Discovered by Catalina Sky Survey Alternative names none Aphelion 1.9382 AU (289.95 Gm) Absolute magnitude 28.6 Discoverer Catalina Sky Survey | Discovery date November 6, 2009 Minor planet category Apollo (NEO) Discovered 6 November 2009 Asteroid group Apollo asteroid | |
 | ||
Perihelion 0.91768 AU (137.283 Gm) Similar 2009 DD45, 2010 AL30, 2004 FH, 2008 TC3, 2010 GA6 | ||
Asteroid 2009 va missed earth by 14000 km
2009 VA is an asteroid that came within 14,000 kilometres (8,700 mi) of Earth on November 6, 2009 making it the 3rd closest non-impacting approach of a cataloged asteroid. With a diameter of only 7 metres (23 ft), scientists think that even if it had been on a direct collision course with Earth, it would have likely burned up in the atmosphere. The space rock made its pass by Earth just fifteen hours after its discovery.
The asteroid was first discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey at the University of Arizona. It was determined that the object would make a pass well within the orbit of the Moon, but would not strike Earth. The object passed so close to Earth that its orbit was modified by Earth's gravity.
References
2009 VA Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA