THE SKY IS FALLING!: Asteroid To Pass Closer To Earth Than The Moon Next Week

According to astronomers, next Tuesday an asteroid the size of an aircraft carrier (~1,300-feet for those of you who don't like your measurements in naval vessels) will pass closer to earth than the moon's orbit, hopefully polishing off humanity like the dinosaurs. *readying tractor-beam* "Um, GW -- what the f*** are you doing?" YOU STAY OUT OF THIS.

The asteroid, dubbed 2005 YU55, will come within 202,000 miles of Earth, closer than the moon, before zipping farther into space. Carbon-colored and dark, the asteroid measures some 1,300 feet wide. It will be the closest visit by a space rock this size in more than three decades.

"This is not a potentially hazardous asteroid, just a good opportunity to study one," National Science Foundation astronomer Thomas Statler says. NASA and the NSF plan a series of radar telescope and other observations starting Friday, aimed at mapping the asteroid's surface and chemistry.

Say, this gives me an idea. Well -- what do you think? "...A leather belt with rocks glued to it?" It's an asteroid belt. It's a real shame Halloween was Monday because this has 'first place in a costume contest' written all over it. "Wow, it LITERALLY does." Yeah, sometimes you have to do the judges' thinking for them.

Asteroid 2005 YU55 will zip by Earth next week [usatoday]

Thanks to Jennie, who agrees now would be a great time to start a cult.

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