CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — An asteroid comparable in size to a skyscraper is set to pass within 1.7 million miles of Earth Friday, according to NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies. Named 2008 OS7, the asteroid is estimated to be between 690 feet and 1,575 feet (210 meters and 480 meters) across, putting it in the range of iconic structures like New York City's Empire State Building or Chicago's Willis Tower.
Despite its imposing size, there is no cause for concern as the asteroid is projected to pass at a safe distance of seven times the distance from Earth to the moon. This safe trajectory is expected to keep the asteroid from making any impact on Earth.
This image shows a single 180-second exposure of the asteroid that is approaching Earth and will pass within 1.7m of the planet on Friday
(Credit: This image shows a single 180-second exposure of the asteroid that is approaching Earth and will pass within 1.7m of the planet on Friday. Photograph AP)
First discovered in 2008, asteroid 2008 OS7 won't return to our vicinity until 2032. However, when it does, the encounter will be at a much greater distance—approximately 45 million miles (72 million kilometers) away.
This upcoming flyby is part of a series of celestial encounters this week. In addition to the skyscraper-sized asteroid, three smaller asteroids, each no more than tens of yards (meters) across, will safely pass Earth on Friday. Two more such encounters are anticipated on Saturday, followed by a larger asteroid, roughly half the size of 2008 OS7, on Sunday. The Sunday encounter will maintain a safe distance of 4.5 million miles (7.3 million kilometers) away.
These harmless flybys are closely monitored by NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies, providing valuable insights into the movements of celestial bodies in our solar system. The encounters serve as reminders of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our cosmic neighborhood.
"NASA estimates the asteroid could be similar in size to New York City’s Empire State Building or Chicago’s Willis Tower."
- NASA
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