[Explanation] Recently, the reporter learned from the Zijinshan Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences that the near-earth astronomical telescope computer automatic capture program newly discovered an asteroid that poses a potential threat to the earth in the direction of Leo: 2020 DM4. According to orbital calculations, this small The planet is expected to fly over the Earth in early May 2020.

[Explanation] On the evening of February 26, the near-earth astronomical telescope in Xing, Jiangsu, captured this asteroid, and the researchers immediately reported relevant information to the International Asteroid Center. A total of 12 observatories at home and abroad have joined the observation. After 4 days of continuous tracking, 12 observation stations jointly certified the data and determined the orbit of the asteroid. On February 29, the International Asteroid Center issued an announcement confirming the discovery, and gave the asteroid a temporary number: 2020 DM4. According to calculations, the semi-major diameter of the asteroid orbit is 1.88 times the earth-day distance, the eccentricity is 0.45, and the orbital period is 2.55 years. At the beginning of May this year, 2020 DM4 is expected to meet the earth at 7.35 million kilometers away.

[Contemporary] Zhao Haibin, Chief Scientist, Researcher, Near-Earth Object Telescope Group, Zijinshan Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Based on orbital calculations, it probably reached a point closest to our earth around May 2 this year. When it arrived, it was about 7.35 million kilometers above our earth. We know that the earth and the moon (distance ) Is 380,000 kilometers. This distance is about 19.3 times the Earth-Moon distance. In fact, this distance will not cause direct harm to our planet, so everyone can rest assured.

[Explanation] The research team will also continuously monitor this asteroid, and constantly revise the observations to provide more accurate orbit data. It is understood that in February 2018, China officially joined the International Asteroid Early Warning Network. As an important institution for Chinese asteroid observation, the Zijinshan Observatory is actively promoting the establishment of China's asteroid monitoring network to further improve China's observation and early warning capabilities.

Reporter Ge Yong reports from Nanjing, Jiangsu

Editor-in-chief: [Li Yuxin]