NASA to Test Earth’s Planetary Defense System on Asteroid Approaching This October

This animation depicts the safe flyby of asteroid 2012 TC4 as it passes under Earth on Oct. 12, 2017. While scientists cannot yet predict exactly how close it will approach, they are certain it will come no closer than 4,200 miles (6,800 kilometers) from Earth’s surface. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech › Larger view › Larger view”/> NASA…