Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the sun, and although the vast majority of asteroids are harmless, there are often close shaves with our planet. Live Science is here to put asteroid threats into perspective and answer all of your asteroid-related questions, from whether an asteroid could destroy Earth to why asteroids and comets are such weird shapes.
Whether it’s the fastest-orbiting asteroid in our solar system, a 600-foot asteroid detected near Earth or NASA proving humanity can deflect killer asteroids with rockets, our expert writers and editors are on point to separate the potentially hazardous from the mostly harmless. So, for everything you need to know about the sizeable stones that share our solar system check out the latest asteroid news, features and articles.
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Latest about Asteroids
Asteroid Ryugu once had 'flowing water', shocking analysis hints
A new analysis of asteroid Ryugu hints that the "potentially hazardous" space rock once had flowing water in its core, possibly leftover from the impact that created it.
Asteroid Apophis flyby will be 'once in a millennium' opportunity for skywatchers and scientists
In 2029, asteroid Apophis will skim safely past Earth, where it will be visible to billions. For scientists, it's a once-in-a-millennium planetary experiment.
Newly discovered bus-size asteroid will zoom close past Earth today — and will not return for exactly 100 years
Asteroid 2025 QV5, which was first spotted in late August, will make a close approach to Earth on Wednesday (Sept. 3). It will not get this near to us again until Sept. 4, 2125.
Bennu sample contains dust older than the solar system itself
The near-Earth asteroid Bennu contains stardust that is older than the solar system and clues about its violent history, three new studies of the asteroid's sample materials show.
Giant space 'boulders' unleashed by NASA's DART mission aren't behaving as expected, revealing hidden risks of deflecting asteroids
Debris released from the asteroid Dimorphos during NASA's DART mission has a higher momentum and less random distribution than expected, which "changes the physics we need to consider when planning these types of missions," researchers say.
Astronomers spot potential 'interstellar visitor' shooting through the solar system toward Earth
A newly discovered object, dubbed A11pl3Z, appears to be moving too fast and straight to have originated in the solar system. If confirmed, it will be the third interstellar visitor ever spotted.
'City killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 could shower Earth with 'bullet-like' meteors if it hits the moon in 2032
There is currently a 4.3% chance that the giant space rock 2024 YR4 will hit the moon in seven years. If this does happen, debris from the nuclear bomb-like impact could trigger a "spectacular" meteor shower that will endanger Earth-orbiting satellites.
James Webb telescope ups the odds that 'city-killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 will hit the moon in 2032
The James Webb Space Telescope has taken another look at the potential "city-killer" asteroid 2024 YR4 and found its chances of hitting the moon in December 2032 have increased to 4.3%.
An 'invisible threat': Swarm of hidden 'city killer' asteroids around Venus could one day collide with Earth, simulations show
A new study suggests that unidentified "co-orbital asteroids" around Venus may have the capacity to impact our planet in the future, with potentially devastating consequences. However, there is no immediate threat.
