A massive asteroid, estimated to be larger than the Empire State Building and even the Golden Gate Bridge, is set to pass by Earth on June 5. Designated 424482 (2008 DG5), the asteroid measures between 310 and 690 meters (1,017 to 2,264 feet) in diameter, placing it within the largest 3% of all known asteroids, according to Space Reference.
Despite its size, scientists confirm there is no danger of collision. The asteroid will fly by at a distance of about 2.17 million miles (3.49 million kilometers), nearly nine times the distance between Earth and the Moon.
Asteroids are rock-like objects that orbit the Sun, and meteors are pieces of asteroids (or comets) that enter the Earth's atmosphere. They vary greatly in size and threat to us here on Earth. While small meteors occur every day, large meteors or asteroids are far more rare. According to NASA, an asteroid as big as a car will usually enter the Earth's atmosphere around once per year. This size will burn up before it hits the ground, creating an impressive fireball. Roughly every 2,000 years, an object the size of a football field hits Earth and causes significant damage.
Intrigued? Click through this gallery to discover some of the close calls from the last 20 years.