NASA is predicting a large asteroid has entered Earth's orbit and is due to pass by us next week.

The object, which has been given the name 2016 WF9, will stay a safe distance of around 32 million miles from Earth, scientists predict.

But a number of conspiracy theorists have made a much more sinister prediction.

They say NASA is hiding the truth about 2016 WF9; that it is in fact, a massive asteroid 2.2km wide which is due to slam into Earth with catastrophic results.

Self-described 'expert' Dr Dyomin Damir Zakharovich believes the asteroid will have the impact of a huge atomic weapon, boiling the seas and causing catastrophic tsunamis.

"NASA is lying through its teeth,” Dr. Zakharovich said.

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(Image: Twitter/NASA)

(Image: PA)

"It is not conceivable that they do not know the truth. We have seen the data!"

Dr Zakharovich believes the asteroid originated from Nibiru, a planet on the edge of our solar system.

This 'rogue' planet, sometimes also called Planet X by conspiracy theorists, is often blamed for natural disasters.

Dr Zakharovich claims the asteroid bounced out of the Nibiru system in a 'slingshot effect' and is now hurtling directly towards Earth.

Scientists create an Asteroid Killer Simulation

It is made mostly from titanium with a nickel-iron core meaning it won't burn up in the atmosphere, he adds.

"And this is just a precursor to the damage Nibiru will cause when it gets here,” Dr. Zhakarovich said.

"NASA probably knows the impact zone. I do not. We are all in peril.”

NASA has dismissed the existence of Niburu as an "internet hoax".

In a press release, the space agency said: " he trajectory of 2016 WF9 is well understood, and the object is not a threat to Earth for the foreseeable future."