An asteroid will pass from within 28,000 km form the surface of the Earth sometimes after a fortnight.

Experts have said that the distance of 28,000 km is a very short distance if the vastness of the universe is considered. The close shave for Earth is expected to occur around 12.55 am on February 2016. There is a lot of interest among the astronomers for the asteroid, 2012 DA14 that was discovered from an observatory in Spain on February 23, 2012.

The orbital period of the asteroid is estimated at 366 days and it is expected to come on 15 February, 2013. The massive asteroid weighs 1,30,000 metric tonne and has a diameter of 148 feet. It is believed that the rock will see some changes because of its closeness to the Earth. The close encounter will reduce the orbital period from 366 days to 317 days.

Experts have ruled out any danger to the planet but noted that the asteroid will come very close to the geosynchronous orbits of certain satellites. The next close approach will be on February 16, 2046, when it is expected to pass closer than 60,000 km from the centre of the Earth.