What is the closest distance that an asteroid has come to Earth?

The closest distance that an asteroid has come to Earth is about 10,000 miles, which is significantly closer than the other options provided. This proximity was notably observed with asteroids that come within the orbit of geostationary satellites, illustrating the dynamic nature of celestial bodies and their orbits.

Asteroids can have orbits that bring them into close contact with Earth, sometimes even crossing our planet's own orbit. The attention to these distances is crucial in planetary defense research, as understanding near-Earth objects helps in evaluating potential hazards they may pose.

The distances of 50,000 miles and above represent trajectories where asteroids have not come as close as the nearest recorded asteroid passes. Thus, it is important to recognize the nuances of these measurements, especially in the context of space science and monitoring near-Earth objects.