A recently discovered asteroid, 2023 DW, has a higher probability of colliding with Earth than any other known object in the universe. According to NASA and ESA observations, it could hit Earth soon. Alain Maury, who operates the small, private MAP Observatory in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, discovered the asteroid on February 26, 2023. Calculations suggest that the asteroid could hit Earth in 2046 with a probability of about 1 in 625. This makes it the most likely object to collide with Earth, according to NASA and ESA risk lists.
The asteroid is currently 0.13 astronomical units (19 million kilometers) away from Earth and is classified as an Aten-type asteroid that crosses the planet’s orbit. However, on February 14, 2046, it is expected to approach Earth at a distance of 0.05 astronomical units (1.8 million kilometers), which is about four times the distance between Earth and the Moon. Although a collision cannot be ruled out, precise orbit data for the asteroid is not yet available. The asteroid has a diameter of about 50 meters, which could cause regional damage but is not a global threat. If it were to collide with Earth, it would likely fall into the Pacific Ocean, according to available observation data.
Astronomers at NASA explain that the calculated impact risk for most asteroids decreases as more precise observation data becomes available. While the asteroid’s collision with Earth is not certain, it is important to continue monitoring its orbit and collecting data to better understand its trajectory. The discovery of 2023 DW highlights the importance of continued efforts to identify and track near-Earth objects that could pose a threat to our planet.
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