York U experts available to speak about large asteroid passing close to Earth on Monday

Share

TORONTO, Jan. 23, 2015 – An asteroid that is about half a kilometre wide will pass Earth on Monday evening. Asteroid 2004BL86 will fly by at a distance of about 1.2 million kilometres, or about three times the distance between Earth and the Moon. While not visible to the naked eye, it will be relatively easy to see it with small telescopes and Canadians will have a front row seat. The next time an asteroid this large flies this close to Earth, it will be 2027.

York U senior lecturer of physics and astronomy Paul Delaney and Dean of Science and professor of physics and astronomy Ray Jayawardhana are available to speak to media about how scientists will observe 2004BL86 and what they may learn.

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York U’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York U is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York U’s 11 faculties and 27 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York U’s community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

-30-

Media Contact: Janice Walls, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 ext. 22101 / wallsj@yorku.ca