A Massive Near-Earth Asteroid Will Pass By Our Planet Today

An asteroid headed towards Earth might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, or it might sound like something out of the history books. After all, an asteroid hitting Earth is what killed the dinosaurs.

Don’t be alarmed, but a large asteroid is headed towards Earth today. The asteroid is known as 7482 (1994 PC1), and it has a diameter of approximately 3,451 feet. That’s more than double the size of the Empire State Building. 

This large asteroid will be heading towards Earth at approximately 45,000 mph. If this asteroid were to make impact with Earth, it could be catastrophic. Fortunately, NASA scientists say it will be a safe distance away and there is nothing to worry about.

The asteroid will be approximately 5 times the distance of the moon from our planet when it travels through outer space past our planet. Even though it will be far away, it will still be close enough to see it through a telescope if you happen to have one.

Watch the video below to learn more about 7482 (1994 PC1) and how you can watch it from your own backyard or online.

NASA’s Asteroid Watch website is tracking 7482 (1994 PC1), and you can view live information about it here. Starting at 3pm Eastern Time,Virtual Telescope Project will also begin live streaming the asteroid’s movement.

Are you going to look for the asteroid later today? Do you have a telescope, or will you be looking at Virtual Telescope Project’s livestream? Do you think a large asteroid will ever come close enough to Earth to do damage to our planet?