On this day in space! Oct. 31, 2015: Creepy skull-shaped Halloween asteroid flies by Earth, NASA names it the 'Great Pumpkin'

On October 31, 2015, NASA identified a small asteroid as having a distinct human skull shape while passing close to Earth. The asteroid, designated 2015VP11, presented a particularly unsettling appearance due to its resemblance to a skeletal face. Scientists tracked the object’s trajectory and determined that it came within approximately 67 million miles of our planet at the time. This event occurred during Halloween, adding to the unusual nature of observing this oddly shaped space rock. Researchers were able to name the asteroid ‘Great Pumpkin,’ reflecting its appearance and the date of discovery.