Will an Asteroid Crash Into Earth in 2040?

There is a chance that the world will suffer the impact of a huge asteroid in 28 years, but it is highly unlikely, according to a new study.

Scientists recently uncovered new evidence that strongly suggests that the 460-foot-wide asteroid, known as the 2011 AG5, will not come crashing into Earth in 2040 like previously expected. That is good news considering that after researchers discovered the space rock last year, they gave the possibility for a collision a 1-in-500 chance.

In fact, the latest findings indicate that asteroid probably will not get much closer than double the distance between the Earth and the moon – approximately 550,000 miles. Scientists say that the asteroid has been difficult to study because it is relatively hard to see, even with the use of the Gemini North telescope located in Hawaii.

Interestingly, scientists say that nearly 9,000 asteroids with the potential to strike Earth have been discovered so far, with a high probability of more yet to be discovered. However, almost 95% of those larger than a half a mile long have already been pinpointed and are regularly monitored.