Asteroid will pass closer to Earth than the Moon on Saturday (24)

According to NASA, a newly discovered asteroid called 2023 DZ2 will pass about 173,000 kilometers from Earth on Saturday (25).

A newly discovered #asteroid named 2023 DZ2 will safely pass by Earth on Saturday at 100K+ miles away. 🌎

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.

— NASA Asteroid Watch (@AsteroidWatch) March 21, 2023

The asteroid will be closer to Earth than the Moon, as the distance between the planet and the natural satellite is approximately 384,400 km.

According to NASA scientists, although close encounters happen regularly, an asteroid of about 95 meters happens once a decade.

Astronomers at the International Asteroid Warning Network have stated that they are using this close approach to learn as much as possible about 2023 DZ2.

🔭Astronomers with the International Asteroid Warning Network are using this close approach to learn as much as possible about 2023 DZ2 in a short time period – good practice for #PlanetaryDefense in the future if a potential asteroid threat were ever discovered.

— NASA Asteroid Watch (@AsteroidWatch) March 21, 2023

Studying the new celestial body is good practice, according to astronomers, to be able to prepare a defense in the future if a potential asteroid threat is discovered.