A colossal asteroid is hurtling toward Earth at an astonishing speed. Named 2014 TN17, this space rock is racing through the cosmos at 77,282 km/h and is set to pass by soon. Comparable in size to the Taj Mahal, it belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids. Due to its substantial size and orbital path, scientists have classified it as a potentially hazardous asteroid.

When Will 2014 TN17 Approach Earth?

The asteroid will make its closest flyby on March 26 at 5:04 PM IST, maintaining a distance of 5 million kilometers—approximately 13 times the gap between Earth and the Moon. While this distance is not a cause for immediate concern, its classification as a hazardous object means astronomers will keep a close eye on it.

Apollo asteroids follow trajectories that intersect Earth’s orbit. While most pass harmlessly, even a minor deviation caused by gravitational forces or collisions with space debris could alter their path, posing a potential risk in the future.

What If It Collided With Earth?

If 2014 TN17 were to strike Earth, the consequences would be catastrophic. The impact could unleash energy equivalent to hundreds of nuclear explosions, leading to widespread devastation. Entire regions could be obliterated, massive wildfires could ignite, and global weather patterns could be disrupted for years.

For perspective, the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia flattened 2,000 square kilometers of forest—and that explosion was caused by an object half the size of 2014 TN17. If such an event occurred over a populated city today, the human toll could reach millions.