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Back in July, a “city-killer” asteroid surprised astronomers by hurtling through space frighteningly close to Earth. Which is kind of scary considering the fact that in December 2018 it was reported that NASA predicted an asteroid would come alarmingly close to Earth, but not until August 3, 2024.
Just a little over a week ago it was reported that NASA is already making preparations for a monstrous Apophis asteroid named “The Colossal God of Chaos Asteroid” to fly by Earth in 10 years at a terrifying distance of just 19,000 miles.
So basically, it’s just a matter of time, people.
And that time might just be September 14 around 23:54 UTC (7 p.m. ET), according to a new report by the Daily Express, which claims new footage released by NASA of the solar system’s orbit shows a huge asteroid could hit Earth next month.
The Asteroid, called 2000 QW7, was first discovered by NASA on August 8, 2000. Its closest approach to Earth is expected to occur on September 14 around 23:54 UTC. And the last observation of the monster asteroid occurred on August 20, 2019. NASA estimated the diameter of the asteroid to be 2,132 feet (650m metres) and it will be passing Earth at a terrifying velocity of 14,338 mph.
NASA estimated the threat level for this particular asteroid, which is currently just 3,312,944 mile away from Earth, as moderate, meaning the chance of it hitting our planet is still possible, but “not likely.”
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Unfortunately, that isn’t the only asteroid out there in space with the Earth in its crosshairs. Asteroid 2006 QQ23, which is bigger than a one hundred story building and more than 1,860-feet in diameter at its widest point, has been designated a “near-Earth object” by NASA and is also a “moderate” threat to humanity.
Now, 3.3 million miles doesn’t sound like it’s very close to Earth, but when you consider the fact that astronomers and scientists believe two newly-discovered, possibly habitable planets “only” 12.5 light years (73.483 trillion miles) from Earth are considered close, it definitely puts it into perspective.
NASA, of course, says there’s nothing to really worry about, but really, what else could they say?
Eh, I’m sure everything will be fine.