Asteroid passing earth tracked by radar

The fairly sizable asteroid 2006 DP14, classified as a PHA or Potentially Hazardous Asteroid,  passed by earth last week: Comets & Neo: Close Approach of Asteroid 2006 DP14 – Remanzacco Observatory

Here is a NASA JPL video showing the radar view of the object: Radar Images of near-Earth Asteroid 2006 DP14  – NASA

Caption:

Radar data of asteroid 2006 DP14 were obtained on Feb. 11, 2014, using the 230-foot (70-meter) Deep Space Network antenna at Goldstone, Calif. While this asteroid would appear as no more than a point of light to optical telescopes, using radar we’re able to discern the physical characteristics of the asteroid and we’re able to measure its exact distance from Earth. In order to point the enormous 70-meter dish antenna in the precise direction of the asteroid, numerous amateur astronomers assisted in the days leading up to Feb. 11 by supplying observational data to help pinpoint the location. The asteroid is about 1,300 feet (400 meters) long, 660 feet (200 meters) wide. 

Related feature – http://www.nasa.gov/jpl/asteroid/aste…

Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/GSSR