Nasa probe reaches Bennu – asteroid that could one day hit Earth

Osiris-Rex spacecraft will eventually scoop up material for analysis back home

After a two-year chase, a Nasa probe has reached the ancient asteroid Bennu. The robotic explorer Osiris-Rex pulled within 12 miles (19km) of the diamond-shaped object on Monday and will go into orbit around it on 31 December. No spacecraft has ever orbited such a small body.

Bennu is considered a potentially hazardous asteroid - it is due to make a close pass of Earth about 150 years. If it collided with Earth, Bennu would probably cause a crater.