A Recent History of Asteroids Nearly Destroying Earth

Close encounters of the frightening kind.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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According to NASA, every 37,000 years or so, our dear planet Earth is in serious danger of being stuck by a large asteroid (one measuring over 250 meters). The average life expectancy for most people sits at 78 years according to 2011 preliminary figures from the Centers for Disease Control. If the statistics say we can live 474 lifetimes before ever encountering an asteroid attack, there's no reason to worry, right? Not exactly. Seeing as how a majority of our closest encounters happened over the past few decades many are beginning to question how much longer can Earth continue to avoid cosmic disaster.

Just last week, Astronomers spotted a 900-foot-wide asteroid called Apophis that's set to pass by Earth today. The good news: It'll miss us by 9 million miles or so. The bad news: There's a good chance it will circle back our way in 2036. But if the past has proven anything, it's that the odds have served in humanity's favor. So as you aim your telescope towards the sky, we recommend peeping this Recent History of Asteroids Nearly Destroying Earth

4581 Asclepius

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2004 FH

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2004 FU

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4179 Toutatis

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2004 XP14

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2006 VV2

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2007 TU24

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2009 DD45

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2009 BD

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2010 AL30

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2011 CQ1

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2011 MD

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2005 YU55

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