If we run a simulation forward to, say, Jan 1 2032, our uncertainty about where the asteroid will be is not only in, let's call it, the X and Y axes, describing a flat circle of where the asteroid might be (see [1]), but also in a Z axis.
That is, our uncertainty of where the asteroid will be can be described as a 3D shape. And if it's further "behind" or "ahead" in its trajectory, then it would be passing through Earth's orbit behind or ahead of time.
If we run a simulation forward to, say, Jan 1 2032, our uncertainty about where the asteroid will be is not only in, let's call it, the X and Y axes, describing a flat circle of where the asteroid might be (see [1]), but also in a Z axis.
That is, our uncertainty of where the asteroid will be can be described as a 3D shape. And if it's further "behind" or "ahead" in its trajectory, then it would be passing through Earth's orbit behind or ahead of time.
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torino_scale#/media/File:Apoph...