Image: Asteroid 1999 FN53

Scientists from the Arecibo Observatory captured images of the asteroid 1999 FN53, which was visible since this past Tuesday until today Friday, May 15, 2015.

Its diameter is of 800-900 meters, with a rotation period of 3.5 hours. Its distance is approximately 27 times more distant than our Moon. In comparison, the asteroid 2004 BL86, which was observed in January, was only 3.5 times more distant than our Moon.

This asteroid is not categorized like a potentially hazardous asteroid, so it does not present any type of danger. Dr. Edgard Rivera-Valentín, member of the Planetary Department, explained. "In fact, asteroid 1999 FN53 does not pass very near to any planet."

The team in charge of this observation was Dr. Michael Nolan, Dr. Ellen Howell, Dr. Patrick Taylor, Dr. Edgard Rivera-Valentín, Dr. James Richardson and Mrs. Linda Ford.