Asteroid triple the size of a blue whale is set to 'skim past Earth' in close approach

dailystar.co.uk:

asteroid which is three times the size of a blue whale is set to brush past earth next week, according to NASA. The mega rock which is estimated to be between 121 and 272 feet wide, is set to make its close encounter on Monday ( June 6).Asteroid 2021 GT2 could cause major damage if it smashes into Earth due to its size, however it is thought to skim pass at a safe 2.2million mile threshold.In comparison to the space agency's estimates, the average blue whale spans around 70ft long, which means the rock is around triple the size.Despite predictions for it to pass safely, the asteroid will move close enough for it to be put through on NASA's Earth Close Approaches tables.If an asteroid comes within 4.65million miles of Earth and is bigger than a certain size, space agencies can class it as "potentially hazardous."In just one day, Asteroid 2021 GT2 is set to make its debut at around 5:35am BST or 12:35 ET.Its next close approach to Earth will not take place until January 26, 2034, when it passes significantly further out than its set approach for June 6.According to Live Science, experts hope to prepare for the worse in case an asteroid suddenly switches its trajectory.It has been reported that NASA is currently investigating whether or not a huge asteroid could be taken off course by crashing a rocket into it.An asteroid-deflecting spacecraft was launched by the space agency in November 2021.