Eros Encounter Nears . ... Credit Copyright: NEAR Project , JHU APL , NASA Explanation: After an unanticipated extra trip around the Sun, the NEAR spacecraft is now politely approaching asteroid 433 , Eros , at a respectful relative speed of about 20 miles per hour. Still nearly 2,000 miles distant, NEAR will close to within approximately 200 miles by February 14th - Valentine's Day. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...