Big asteroid no longer threat to Earth
US astronomers say a big asteroid is no longer even a remote threat to smash into Earth in about 20 years. The asteroid whizzed by Earth on Wednesday leading to recalculations determining it was not on path to hit Earth on April 13, 2036 as once feared. At more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) wide, the rock could do significant damage but not cause worldwide extinctions.
The asteroid is named Apophis, after an evil Egyptian mythical serpent. Donald Yeomans, who manages NASA's asteroid-tracking office, said now the asteroid will not get closer than 19,400 miles (31,220 kilometers). (AP)
