Cloud-free skies likely in Kansas City for viewing of asteroid 2004 BL86
The forecast looks favorable for anyone wanting to catch a view of asteroid 2004 BL86 Monday night as it passes close to the earth.
The large asteroid — which EarthSky says is twice the size of a cruise ship — will be the largest known asteroid to pass the Earth until 2027.
The asteroid was at its closest — 745,000 miles — at 10:20 a.m. Monday.
EarthSky said the asteroid will not be bright enough to view with unaided, but can be seen with telescopes and strong binoculars.
The National Weather Service in Kansas City said skies should be fairly cloud free Monday, with some thin, high cirrus clouds possibly moving into the area by evening.
The farther west people go in Missouri into eastern Kansas, the better chances of missing any cloud cover, the National Weather Service said.
Clouds might obstruct the view of those in northeast, north-central and central Missouri.
EarthSky had these links for watching the passage of the asteroid online and tips how to watch through a telescope or binoculars.
To reach Robert A. Cronkleton, call 816-234-4261 or send email to bcronkleton@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published January 26, 2015 at 11:59 AM with the headline "Cloud-free skies likely in Kansas City for viewing of asteroid 2004 BL86."