Quote (Azrad @ Apr 20 2013 08:59am)
close is a value judgement. The fact is that it is projected to pass at about double the distance of what is considered noteworthy for object passing near the Earth. And the Earth is 9 times as massive as Mars.... This object will not collide with Mars.
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changes a little in direction, is all that is needed. It is the timing of the pass, that makes it closer and worth watching.