2012 FN is an Apollo asteroid and a near-Earth object[1] that has a 1 in 4 billion chance of impacting Earth on 7 March 2113.[2] It is estimated to be 5 meters in diameter, which means that it poses no threat if it impacts Earth. An impact would have the kinetic energy of about 3 kt of TNT,[2] and would probably result in an air burst in the upper atmosphere. It is the least threatening asteroid listed on the Sentry Risk Table.[3] The very short observation arc of only 3 hours[2] results in a very poorly constrained orbit, and it could just as easily be 2 AU from Earth on 7 March 2113.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: (2012 FN)" (last observation: 2012-03-17; arc: 3 hours; uncertainty: 9). Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 1 April 2016.
  2. ^ a b c NASA JPL. "2012 FN Impact Risk". Archived from the original on 31 July 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
  3. ^ Sentry Risk Table (NASA JPL)
  4. ^ "2012FN Ephemerides for 6-8 March 2113". NEODyS (Near Earth Objects – Dynamic Site). Retrieved 25 October 2014.


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