NASA Is Tracking A Potentially Apocalyptic Asteroid Coming Near Earth

It just feels like 2020 is destined to be a near apocalyptic year for planet Earth. If the likes of the Coronavirus weren’t enough, our tiny planet has now nearly been the target of deadly asteroids as well. In fact, scientists at NASA have spotted an incredibly dangerous asteroid that could easily wipe out the human race if it were to make contact.

The asteroid is estimated to measure up to 2.5 miles across, which explained by Express is “big” enough to “potentially spell the end of the human race if it strikes the planet.”

They’ve also stated:

“NASA estimates the rock is heading our way at speeds of about 8.7km per second or 19,461mph (31,320kmh).

At this rate, the asteroid will close-in on Earth on April 29.”

Apparently a size of only 0.6 miles is needed to be a threat to the entire planet. So at 2.5 miles across, this asteroid could certainly be a danger if it were to hit Earth. As a solid comparison, the asteroid which is theorized to have killed the dinosaurs was 6 miles across. So although it’s not quite that big, it gives you an idea of how only a few miles can devastate just about the entire globe.

Luckily the asteroid, which was both first spotted and confirmed decades ago in 1987, will likely miss the Earth. Scientists at NASA have determined that by its closest point, the asteroid will only be as close as about 0.04205 astronomical units. This translates to the asteroid missing us by about 16 times the distance between the Earth and the moon.

So, although it is a scary concept, the entirety of Earth should once again be safe from any interstellar hazards. At least for now. And at the rate this year seems to be going, I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear of some other potentially apocalyptic scenario within the next few months if not sooner.