150-foot asteroid to pass close to Earth Friday

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. (KGO) -- NASA scientists say a huge asteroid measuring 150 feet is taking a very close trip past Earth on Friday.

The asteroid named 2012 DA14 weighs 130,000 tons, more than a full sized cruise ship. It is expected to come within 17,000 miles of the Earth Friday.

NASA says it'll be the best opportunity ever to monitor a near-miss by something so large.

There's no need to worry: astronomers say the space rock will not impact the planet, it will just make a very close pass.

If you would like to check out the asteroid -- Oakland's Chabot Space and Science Center is hosting a telescope viewing party starting at 7 p.m.

NASA is emphasizing there is no connection between this asteroid and the meteor over Russia.

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