An asteroid the size of a city is approaching Earth, but fortunately it will move between Earth and the Moon by the end of the week, The Associated Press reported on Jan. 23.

According to scientists, the asteroid will pass within 25,51 kilometers of the moon on the 5th, and then move away from Earth at a speed of 16,8 kilometers per hour at a height of 2,8 kilometers above the Indian Ocean a few hours later.

This distance is less than half the distance between Earth and the Moon, so you can see asteroids even with binoculars or small telescopes.

Scientists discovered the asteroid a month ago and named it "2023 DZ2," and estimates it to be between 40 and 91 meters in size.

In a statement, Richard Moisle, director of Earth Defence at the European Space Agency (ESA), said: "While this 'city-destroyer' asteroid is unlikely to collide with Earth, it will approach close to Earth and provide good observation opportunities."

It's common for asteroids to pass by Earth, but it's only happened in 10 years for a large asteroid to come this close, according to NASA.

According to NASA, astronomers from the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) use the asteroid's approach to Earth as an opportunity to train for Earth defense.

The Virtual Telescope Project (VTP), based in Rome, Italy, will broadcast the asteroid's approach to Earth live over the Internet.

The asteroid is scheduled to approach Earth again in 2026, and scientists believe it is unlikely to collide with Earth at that time.

(Photo=AP, Yonhap News)