CNEOS noted that this mountain-sized asteroid is expected to fly past Earth on April 29, 2020. During this time, the asteroid is expected to be about 6.3 million kilometers from the planet’s center.
Although this seems like a very safe distance, 52768 (1998 OR2) is classified by CNEOS as a potentially hazardous asteroid. According to the agency, the asteroid is a member of the Amor family, which means it has a very wide orbit around the Earth and the Sun. Occasionally, the asteroid flies near the planet as it completes its cycle around the giant star.
The approaching asteroid, identified as 52768 (1998 OR2), is currently being monitored by NASA’ Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). According to the agency, this asteroid is currently moving at a speed of 31,320 kilometers per hour. It has an estimated diameter of 4.1 kilometers, making it significantly longer than the entire Hollywood Walk of Fame.Due to the asteroid’s near-Earth approaches as well as its massive size, 52768 (1998 OR2) poses a huge threat to the planet. If the asteroid’s current trajectory slightly changes, which can easily happen due to gravitational forces in space, it could end up on a collision course with Earth.
The annual Lyrid meteor shower is active each year from about April 16 to 25. In 2020, we expect the shower to pick up beginning late at night on Sunday, April 19, 2020, probably peaking in the predawn hours on Wednesday, April 22. The follow morning (April 23) might be good too, if you’re game.
https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-lyrid-meteor-shower
https://www.ibtimes.com/4-kilometer-planet-killer-asteroid-headed-towards-earth-2020-may-cause-human-2842061