Scientists have discovered an asteroid that caught their attention. The space rock, designated 2023 DW, is at the top of the European Space Agency's 'Risk List', according to Forbes..

According to researchers, an asteroid may fall to Earth on February 14, 2046, with a probability of 1 in 625. Since the space rock has already attracted the attention of astronomers, it is in the zone of close observation, which means that more information will appear about it in the future.. It is likely that additional data will show that the risk of a 2023 DW collision is even smaller.. In addition, the trajectory of the space rock may change..

[see_also ids\u003d"

The publication notes that the diameter of the asteroid is estimated at 50 meters.. Which is comparable to the size of asteroids, which were marked by the most powerful falls to Earth in modern times.. Both occurred in Russia: in 1908 it was the Tunguska meteorite, and in 2013 it was the Chelyabinsk meteorite..

The fall of the Tunguska meteorite led to the destruction of the forest in a large area of \u200b\u200bSiberia. The 2013 fireball hit the atmosphere at a less steep angle, which effectively reduced its potential force.. In Chelyabinsk, thousands of windows were shattered and some buildings were damaged, numerous minor injuries were reported, but no one was killed..

If 2023 DW were to strike directly at an urban area, it could cause some pretty serious damage.. However, this is unlikely since most of the Earth is covered in water..

Recall that on January 26 asteroid 2023 BU flew past the Earth.. He came very close to our planet - at a distance of 3500 kilometers from its surface.