Massive asteroid passing Earth overnight to be visible with binoculars

ABOVE THE EARTH – As if this month's eclipse wasn't enough, the universe is being kind enough to entertain us with another celestial event that could have actually been a lot more disastrous.

Asteroid Florence, measuring 2.7 miles, will fly so close to our planet on Friday at 8:06 a.m., we'll be able to see it through binoculars.

Recommended Videos



The Palm Beach Post reports Florence will still be 4.4 million miles away when it zips by, but still close enough to possibly see.

Those looking to get a glimpse of the asteroid should look about 19 degrees above the southern horizon 

Florence should be "fairly bright" and trackable for about 5 to 10 minutes as it makes its closest approach to the planet since 1890.

By the way, when we say "zips," we mean it. Florence will be traveling at a smooth 30,266 miles per hour.

Check out Sky and Telescope for detailed charts on where to look in the sky to see the asteroid.