asteroid

The asteroid 2021 EQ3 will pass closest above us at about 9:45 p.m. Monday night, at a distance of around 278,000 kilometers – 72% of the distance from the Earth to the Moon.

"I hope this will shed light on how the solar system was formed and how water was brought to Earth."

Despite its value, the asteroid cannot be brought back to Earth as it would likely destroy the planet and the market for iron.

If a successful collection is confirmed, the spacecraft will journey back toward Earth, arriving in 2023.

The object was first discovered by a telescope in Hawaii in September, and was measured to be around 26 feet long - matching the estimated dimensions of the Centaur.

The effect the asteroid would have on the US presidential election, however, is likely negligible.

The asteroid is estimated to be 1,100 ft. in diameter, while the Empire State Building stands at approximately 1,400 ft. tall.

The asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs was 10 km. in diameter, more than twice the length of this one.