Stadium-Sized Asteroid Makes Close Pass by Earth

Asteroid 2020 XR, measuring between 1,000 and 2,300 feet wide, safely passed Earth at a distance of 1.4 million miles on December 4, 2024. Initially discovered in 2020, the asteroid was once thought to pose a potential impact threat in 2028, but further analysis has ruled out any risk until at least 2120. Classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid due to its size and proximity, 2020 XR's next close approach will be in November 2028, at a safer distance of 11.3 million miles.