The exploding meteorite in central Russia reminded all the world of its vulnerability Friday. And another, larger space rock, re-enforced that concern as it passed historically close to earth Friday.
"You say 15,700 miles and it sounds like it is missing us by a lot. But when you count the solar system that is on our doorstep," said Fresno State Physics Professor Steven White.
White played a live feed of the asteroid for his students inside the school's planetarium Friday and showed us just how close a call it was.
At its closest point over Indonesia, the asteroid came with in 17,000 miles of earth. That’s closer than most communications satellites and close enough to cause concern.
“There was the meteorite that just crashed into Russia. We don't have a plan for if something bigger than that was going to collide with us," said Fresno State student Jennifer Elder.
And while earth was never in danger, Dr. White says there is one big take away.
"We have to pay attention, a lot of people think that nature is nice, nature can be mean. It’s just like a hurricane, it's just like lighting, it's only worse," said Dr. White.
