What is the distance to Gaspra? When did the Earth last come close to Gaspra?

On Thu, 15 Jul 1999, Maria wrote:

> What is the actual distance from asteroid Gaspra from Earth?
> When will be the closest aproach to Earth, year, month ,day?
> when was the last tim Asteroid 951 Gaspra pass by Earth ?

The distance of Gaspra from the Earth varies because both Gaspra and Earth
orbit the sun. Gaspra orbits the sun at a distance of 205 million
kilometers (130 million miles), which puts it between Mars and Jupiter in
the main asteroid belt. The Earth orbits the sun at a distance of 150
million kilometers (93 million miles), so Gaspra and the Earth are always
at least 55 million kilometers apart.

I could not find out when the Earth last came this close to Gaspra, or
when it will again. However, based on the orbits, the Earth should come
close every 1 1/2 to 2 years or so.

You can find more information on Gaspra at the following web site:
http://servant.geol.cf.ac.uk/solar/gaspra.htm

Thanks for writing! (Your other question should be answered by one of my
colleagues in the next few days.)

Sincerely,
Kurtis Williams

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