Get ready for a cosmic event! On December 13, 2024, the Lucy spacecraft—currently en route to explore Jupiter’s enigmatic Trojan asteroids—will perform a thrilling close fly-by of Earth. This encounter will be streamed live by the Virtual Telescope Project, giving space enthusiasts a rare opportunity to witness this stunning moment from the comfort of their homes!

Mark your calendars for this exciting date: the Lucy spacecraft will graze past Earth at precisely 04:16 UTC, flying just 350 kilometers above our planet's surface. This crucial maneuver is designed to give Lucy the extra gravitational boost needed to continue its mission to study the ancient asteroids that share Jupiter's orbit. These missions are vital to unraveling the mysteries of our solar system's formation.

This upcoming fly-by will occur almost exactly three years after Lucy's launch in October 2021 and two years after its first Earth fly-by in December 2022. It’s a fantastic way for scientists and the general public alike to stay engaged with space exploration efforts!

The live event will kick off at 04:30 UTC, just a few minutes following Lucy’s closest approach. Viewers in Italy and around the world will have the chance to see the spacecraft as it glides through the night sky. After this close fly-by, Lucy will return to Earth for another gravity assist in December 2030, which will propel it further on its exciting journey through the cosmos.

Don’t miss out on this celestial spectacle! To watch the Lucy fly-by live, simply visit the Virtual Telescope Project’s webTV page on the specified date and time.

Join us in celebrating space exploration, and stay tuned for enthralling discoveries as Lucy continues its mission to unlock secrets hidden within our solar system!