<<<Since our last update, we have received
numerous tracking measurements of asteroid 2007 WD5 from four different
observatories. These new data have led to a significant reduction in the
position uncertainties during the asteroid's close approach to Mars on Jan. 30,
2008. As a result, the impact probability has dropped dramatically, to
approximately 0.01% or 1 in 10,000 odds, effectively ruling out the possible
collision with Mars.
Our best estimate now is that 2007 WD5 will pass about 26,000 km from the
planet's center (about 7 Mars radii from the surface) at around 12:00 UTC (4:00
am PST) on Jan. 30th. With 99.7% confidence, the pass should be no closer than
4000 km from the surface.>>>