Massive Asteroid 52768 (1998 OR2) to Approach Earth — No Threat of Collision, Experts Say

NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has identified a colossal asteroid, officially named 52768 (1998 OR2), that is expected to pass near Earth’s orbit in the coming months. Although its sheer size has raised eyebrows—measuring between 1.5 and 4 kilometers in diameter—scientists have reassured the public that there is no real risk of collision.

Traveling at an incredible speed of 8.7 kilometers per second, the asteroid is projected to make its closest approach to Earth on May 29. Despite its proximity, NASA’s tracking data confirms that it will safely pass by without any threat to the planet.

However, experts note that in the extremely unlikely event of a direct impact, an object of this magnitude could cause catastrophic global damage—potentially enough to devastate life on Earth. Fortunately, the asteroid’s current trajectory poses no cause for alarm.

In other exciting space news, a 23-year-old student recently made headlines after discovering 17 new exoplanets, one of which bears characteristics similar to Earth. This discovery highlights the ever-expanding frontiers of astronomical research and the growing contributions of young scientists to the exploration of our universe.

With both danger and discovery making the news, humanity’s watchful eye on space continues—balancing scientific vigilance with groundbreaking new achievements.

To put the size of asteroid 52768 (1998 OR2) into perspective, consider the Chelyabinsk asteroid, which exploded over Siberia in 2013. That asteroid measured only about 15 meters wide and 17 meters long, yet it caused widespread damage—shattering windows, damaging buildings, and injuring nearly 1,500 people from the shockwave alone.

In contrast, 52768 (1998 OR2) is massively larger, estimated to be between 1.5 and 4 kilometers in diameter. Despite its enormous size and high speed, NASA assures that this asteroid poses no significant threat to Earth. Their calculations confirm that it will pass by at a safe distance, even farther than the average distance between Earth and the Moon.

Because of this, scientists emphasize that there is no immediate danger of a collision. While an impact from an object of this magnitude would have devastating consequences, the current data provides strong reassurance that Earth is not in harm’s way.

This near pass serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of ongoing space monitoring and planetary defense efforts, while also offering a fascinating opportunity for astronomers to observe a giant asteroid flying by our cosmic neighborhood—safely.