Locals catch glimpse of asteroid

Around the world Friday afternoon eyes were glued to images of Asteroid 2012 DA-14 as it zoomed by Earth. Local gazers saw live images at Sci-Port, which held a viewing party at its demonstration theater. Faces did not turn away from the screen as the asteroid was broadcasted via Gingin Observatory in Australia. This once in a lifetime event gave viewers and staff mixed feelings.

"It gives you a fascinating yet scary feeling when you realize this is something that is moving about 18,000 miles per hour and at a very close distance to Earth," Sci-Port's Greg Andrews said. "You just don't want that happening all the time.

DA-14 came within 17,200 miles of Earth.