Asteroid the size of a 70-story skyscraper to come close to Earth

Estimated to be between 120 to 270 meters wide—roughly the size of a 70-story skyscraper—asteroid 2020 WG is considered a medium-sized Near-Earth Object (NEO).

In Short

• An asteroid impact could cause substantial regional effects
• Close flybys like this make important opportunities for study
• The asteroid’s close approach offers scientists a rare chance to observe it

Astronomers are gearing up for an exciting celestial event as asteroid 2020 WG is set to make a close pass by Earth on October 28.

This near-Earth asteroid, first identified by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), will pass within approximately 3.3 million kilometers (0.02223 AU) from Earth, which is roughly nine times the distance to the Moon.

Although the asteroid’s proximity has drawn significant attention, scientists confirm it poses no threat to Earth.

Estimated to be between 120 to 270 meters wide—roughly the size of a 70-story skyscraper—asteroid 2020 WG is considered a medium-sized Near-Earth Object (NEO).

At this size, an asteroid impact could cause substantial regional effects, making close flybys like this one important opportunities for study. Moving at a rapid speed of 9.43 kilometers per second, the asteroid’s close approach offers scientists a rare chance to observe it in detail, refining what they know about its trajectory, composition, and behavior.

NEOs like 2020 WG, defined as objects that come within 1.3 AU of Earth, are monitored closely to ensure early detection of any that could potentially pose a threat.

By studying 2020 WG’s surface features, spin, and orbital path, researchers can gain insights into its structure and origins, helping to improve the accuracy of future predictions about similar objects.

NASA and other space agencies use data from such events to enhance planetary defense strategies, as understanding an asteroid’s size, speed, and composition is key to developing effective mitigation techniques for potential hazards.

While 2020 WG will pass safely by Earth, its visit underscores the importance of ongoing asteroid tracking and monitoring in protecting Earth from potential future impacts.