We were all doomed to die on Friday the 13th, 2029
science.nasa.gov
science.nasa.gov
Usually clickbait pop-astronomy articles are for a tiny asteroid coming within a million miles (aka 999,000 miles) of Earth, but not stating that the moon is much bigger and much closer. Coming closer than geostationary satellites is notable, and a bit too close for comfort.
I decided for title to be somewhat more spicey in hopes it will create a longer and deeper conversation re asteroids and the danger they present to live on Earth.
Clickbaity I agree, it is not misleading tho - for close to 15 years we weren't sure whether it will hit or miss. I would argue we are still too far off from the randevou date. At the distance MN4 is today, any collision with another body of even 1% of its weight, could change trajectory dramatically - put Earth on a bullseye path, or "kick" asteroid out of Earth orbit trajectory altogether.
We will have to live there to see it, I guess.
Well, not from that asteroid, at least.
If an asteroid was discovered coming our way and potentially destroying humanity in let's say 10 yrs, would they tell us?
Bonus question:
If the news would break, how would humanity react?