Near-Earth object atmosphere, passing Earth's surface only away (about one Earth radius or one-sixtieth of the distance to the Moon). Because it was very small (6 meters/20 feet), FU was detected only hours before its closest approach. If it had collided with Earth, it probably would have disintegrated harmlessly in the atmosphere. On February 4, 2011, an asteroid designated , estimated at in diameter, passed within of the Earth, setting a new record for closest approach without impact, which still stands . On November 8, 2011, asteroid , relatively large at about in diameter, passed within (0.85 lunar distances) of Earth. On
Around the Moon sea. This turns out to be the returning projectile, and the three men inside are found to be alive and are rescued. They are treated to lavish homecoming celebrations as the first people to leave Earth. Around the Moon Around the Moon (, 1870), Jules Verne's sequel to "From the Earth to the Moon", is a science fiction novel which continues the trip to the moon which was only partially described in the previous novel. It was later combined with "From the Earth to the Moon" to create "A Trip to the Moon and Around It". "From the Earth to