Source: Huffington Post

In 2040, Asteroid '2011 AG5' Will Miss Earth, NASA Now Says Definitively

The Huffington Post | By Craig Kanalley
Posted: 12/24/2012 1:33 pm EST | Updated: 12/24/2012 1:33 pm EST

So the world didn't end this past week after all, and here's some more disappointing news for apocalypse-watchers: New information on Asteroid 2011 AG5 now rules it out as a threat to Earth in 2040, when it is widely expected to come close to our planet, CNN reports.

NASA said on Friday new analysis from the agency's Near-Earth Object Program Office in Pasadena, Calif., shows "the risk of collision in 2040 has been eliminated." New observations of the asteroid's trajectory show "the Earth's position in February 2040 no longer falls within the range of possible future paths."

In other words, "all clear."

Since it was discovered in January 2011, observers have kept a close eye on the gigantic asteroid, and discussions even began on how it might be deflected should Earth fall in its path.

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