NASA has now announced that it has discovered a new asteroid that has a very small probability of hitting the Earth in 2046.
This asteroid is said to be the size of an Olympic swimming pool, and is known as 2023 DW.
NASA currently labels it with a risk label of "1" on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale. Previously, most asteroids or comets were labeled "0" only, and although this asteroid 2023 DW is labeled "1", the probability is very small. Roughly speaking, it is said to have a 1 in 560 probability of hitting Earth.
The closest asteroid is expected to be around 1.8 million kilometers. Even if it enters the Earth's atmosphere, its impact is not expected to have a major impact on the entire Earth, but perhaps only on related locations.
NASA itself has previously made several preparations in case there are any asteroids or comets heading for Earth, including using a satellite that hits the asteroid to change its path.
NASA is expected to continue observing the asteroid, and will look at more data before making any decisions. Since it is still too early for now, it is not known if the direction of travel is really to Earth, or will change later.