Flyby of Large Asteroid Expected for November 8

Officials at the American space agency say that an asteroid about four football fields in diameter will zip past Earth on November 8. While not dangerous during its current path, the space rock may pose a risk to Earth in the far future.

Dubbed 2005 YU55, this object is no less than 1,300 feet (400 meters ) wide. What has gotten astronomers so excited about it is that the asteroid will come within a short distance of the planet, within the orbit of the Moon.

About 240,000 miles (386,242 kilometers) separate Earth from its natural satellite, Space reports, whereas 2005 YU55 will pass within less than 201,700 miles (325,000 kilometers) form our planet's surface. The event will take place at 6:28 pm EDT (2228 GMT).