According to media reports, a massive asteroid will pass Earth at half the distance of the moon on Saturday.
If the asteroid, known as 2023 DZ2, collides with Earth, it could cause significant damage. According to EarthSky, it will most likely make a clean pass at 28,044 km/h.
The asteroid was discovered in late February 2023 by astronomers at the La Palma Observatory in the Canary Islands, Spain. Its diameter is estimated to be between 44 and 99 metres.
The closest approach to Earth is expected on March 25 at around 19:51 UTC (1:21 a.m. IST).
“A newly discovered #asteroid named 2023 DZ2 will safely pass by Earth on Saturday at 100K+ miles away,” NASA Asteroid Watch tweeted.
“While close approaches are a regular occurrence, one by an asteroid of this size (140-310 ft) happens only about once per decade, providing a unique opportunity for science,” it added.
Northern Hemisphere skywatchers may catch a glimpse of the asteroid as it speeds past Earth.
2023 DZ2 is designated as a NEO (Near Earth Object). It revolves around the sun every 3.16 years.
