Mid-Size Asteroid Won't Hit Earth in 2013, NASA Says

by Mike Wall, SPACE.com Senior Writer

Date: 06 March 2012 Time: 07:14 PM ET

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In this oblique view, the path of near-Earth asteroid 2012 DA14 is seen passing close to Earth on Feb. 15, 2013. CREDIT: NASA/JPL Near-Earth Object Program Office View full size image

Despite feverish speculation from doomsayers, the near-Earth asteroid 2012 DA14 won't slam into our planet next year, NASA researchers say.
The asteroid, which astronomers estimate to be about 150 feet (45 meters) across, will give Earth an uncomfortably close shave on Feb. 15, 2013, coming nearer to our planet than the satellites we've lofted to geostationary orbit. But 2012 DA14 poses no real impact danger on that pass, according to NASA scientists.

MORE: http://www.space.com/14810-asteroid-earth-impact-risk-2012da14.html




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