Asteroid 1998 QE2, about three kilometers long, will pass closest to Earth on May 31 at 20.59:XNUMX GMT.
This massive space rock was discovered 15 years ago, but scientists aren't sure where it came from.
"However, the surface of the asteroid is covered with a mysterious, sticky, black substance, indicating that it may be a comet that passed too close to the Sun," said Amy Meinzer of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, reported the Los Angeles Times.
She added that the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter is also a possible place of origin.
Astronomers plan to closely monitor the passage of the asteroid from May 30 to June 9.
In its closest approach to Earth on May 31, the asteroid will be at a distance of about six million kilometers, which is approximately 15 times the distance between our planet and the Moon.
Scientists have pointed out that there is "no chance" that 1998 QE2 will hit Earth (this time), and the next closest pass will not happen until 2119.
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