Astronomers have announced that a huge asteroid measuring around 1300 feet in diameter is to pass by Earth in November, in what is expected to be the closest approach of a body of this size within the past 30 years. The space object is expected to come within 0.85 lunar distances of Earth, although it is not thought to pose any significant threat to the planet. Its close approach will give astronomers a greater opportunity to observe the object and to refine calculations of its orbit. It will be the first time astronomers will have observed an asteroid of this size coming this close to the earth. While there have been closer approaches by asteroids in the past, most of these have measured only a few metres in diameter, and relatively few make it through the atmosphere in the event of a collision. But if an object of this size were on a collision course with the earth, there is no doubt it would cause massive devastation across the globe.

Quote: "Asteroid 2005 YU55 is a slow rotator. Because of its size and proximity to Earth, the Minor Planet Center in Cambridge, Mass., has designated the space rock as a “potentially hazardous asteroid.”

The Bible does seem to indicate that the earth is to pass through a time of great trouble. We have recently witnessed the horrors caused by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, when tens of thousands of people lost their lives. Journalists described the event as an 'apocalypse', as entire communities were swept away in just a matter of minutes. But my own feeling is that this will pale in comparison to what is to take place during the tribulation period. The apostle John foresees in the book of Revelation how that "the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind". The Lord Himself prophesied again that "the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken", Matthew 24:29. When the comet Shoemaker Levi 9 collided with Jupiter in 1994, the whole world was agog at the awesome destructive power of the heavens. It should have served as a solemn warning to mankind of what is to take place on the earth in a future day. The book of Revelation seems to describe several occasions in which asteroids will collide with the earth, some impacting on land and some in the sea. John records that "the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed", Revelation 8:8-9. Just within the past few weeks we have witnessed how many ships were destroyed as the Japanese tsunami left them high and dry several miles inland. A mountain sized meteor striking the sea could cause much more damage than this. Scientists estimate that an ocean impact from an asteroid around 500 metres in diameter could significantly deplete the earth's protective ozone layer for a year or more. The Bible also records that in the tribulation period, men will be scorched with great heat. "And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory", Revelation 16:8-9

The Lord has recorded all of these events in the Bible for us in advance so that people may know what is coming to pass and trust in Him for salvation while there is still time. For God is merciful and always provides a way of escape before the judgement falls. In the days of Noah, mankind was given around 120 years to repent and accept His plan of salvation before the judgement fell (2nd Peter 2:5). God in His mercy has given this world almost 2000 years. But the day of judgement is drawing near. Have you accepted God's plan of salvation? Have you trusted in God's ark of salvation? Turn away from your sins, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation today (Acts 16:31).

Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Source Live Science, PhysOrg, YouTube