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 This
morning (September 1, 2000, at 12:54 GMT), the interplanetary traveler
known as 2000 QW7 skimmed by the Earth at an
alarmingly close range (by space terms). Passing at a distance of twelve
times the average span between the Moon and Earth,
this object of roughly a half kilometer just missed a collision with us.
Why is this big news? Because scientists did not even locate this potentially
hazardous object (PHO) until a week ago, August 26. Our response time,
should anything have needed to be done (like in a Hollywood disaster movie)
would have been critically and dramatically short.
Today the
Sun (representing the awareness of shedding light)
in detail-oriented Virgo squared Jupiter (ruling long-distance travel,
like something from distant space) in good news/bad news dual message
Gemini. The good news is that the PHO missed us. The bad news is that
we almost missed it. The Sun also approaches a square to
Pluto (who is the patron saint of intruders) in Sagittarius (the sign
of the vast depths of space). Well, at least we don’t need to think about
2000 QW7 again for about two and three quarters years. But what if there
are more coming?
Scientists
complain about lack of budget (a Pluto issue) for essential space exploration
(Sagittarius and Jupiter). Even if there was enough money, would we obliterate
the intruder? (Obliteration, especially nuclear, and intruders are both
linked to Pluto.) With the philosophical pressure to look at all angles
(Jupiter in Gemini), and the impending opposition to Pluto in Jupiter’s
sign, perhaps these considerations must evolve into a defined and viable
doctrine. It’s certainly food for thought while gazing at streaking meteors
in the night sky.
Technical
Stuff
2000 QW7
appeared in our telescopes at 20 Aquarius 11 minutes on August 26. At
the time, Mars in Leo opposed Uranus in Aquarius at this approximate degree.
Mars and Pluto, co-rulers of Scorpio, do maintain the unwanted visitor
vibe. Add Uranus, and the unexpected become the norm. Meanwhile, this
PHO reached the point in its orbit that is closest to the Sun (perihelion)—19
Aquarius 13—a tight alignment to the Mars-Uranus opposition and a critical
orbital point.
The North
Node of such an object shows the purpose of the object. This body’s Node
was 8 Virgo 49. While it came closest to Earth,
the Sun passed this degree of Virgo. The implication is that we need to
implement the best Virgo has to offer—organize a comprehensive ongoing
search program with better reporting, assigned sectors and clearer priorities.
The Earth,
incidentally, is (astrologically) opposed the Sun. Today, the Earth
bobs in space in Pisces, which rules movies. To avoid putting the Earth
in a bad movie plot, perhaps we should be taking Virgo notes and writing
our politicians for expanded space search budgets (Pluto in Sagittarius
and Jupiter in Gemini again). In the meantime, heads up!
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