Astronomers use this baseline metric to express the proximity of near-Earth objects like asteroids and comets. It equals roughly 384,400 kilometres. Using this scale helps convey planetary distances in terms that are easier to grasp than millions of kilometres.
Heard on the job
The asteroid is projected to pass safely at about four lunar distances.
Insider tip
News outlets often convert this to distances to the moon when reporting on near-Earth asteroids.
Also heard as
- LD