Yes, throughout the history of the Earth, there have been instances where the planet has come close to colliding with other celestial objects in our solar system. Here are a few notable examples:
The Chicxulub Impact: Approximately 66 million years ago, a massive asteroid, estimated to be around 10 kilometers (6 miles) in diameter, collided with the Earth near the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. This impact event is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs and led to significant changes in Earth's ecosystems.
Tunguska Event: On June 30, 1908, a large explosion occurred in the remote Tunguska region of Siberia, Russia. It is thought to have been caused by the airburst of a mid-sized asteroid or comet fragment, estimated to be around 30 to 50 meters (100 to 160 feet) in size. The explosion flattened trees over an area of about 2,000 square kilometers (770 square miles).
Near-Earth Asteroids: There are numerous instances where asteroids have come close to colliding with Earth but narrowly missed. These objects are known as Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). In recent history, the asteroid Apophis gained attention as it had a small probability of impacting Earth in the year 2029, but subsequent observations ruled out the collision possibility.
Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9: In 1994, fragments of the comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 collided with Jupiter. Although this was not an impact event on Earth, it served as a reminder of the potential risks posed by celestial objects in our solar system.
It is worth noting that significant efforts are underway to detect and track potentially hazardous asteroids and comets that could pose a threat to Earth. These efforts involve ground-based observatories, space-based telescopes, and ongoing scientific research to better understand the risks associated with such objects and develop strategies for mitigation if necessary.