'Potentially hazardous' asteroid the size of a skyscraper will skim past Earth next week, NASA warns

A 'potentially hazardous' asteroid about the size of a skyscraper will skim past Earth next week, NASA has warned.

The asteroid, known as 2023 BU, was first spotted by astronomers in Crimea on Saturday and is estimated to be between 1,000 and 2,200 feet wide.

The space rock is expected to make its closest approach to Earth on January 26, when it will pass about 2,200 miles above the southern tip of South America.

While the asteroid is not expected to impact Earth, NASA has classified it as a "potentially hazardous object" due to its size and close proximity to our planet.

According to NASA, the asteroid is traveling at a speed of about 28,000 miles per hour and will be visible to telescopes in the southern hemisphere.

The asteroid was discovered by Gennady Borisov, a Crimean astronomer who has discovered a number of other asteroids and comets.

Borisov said the asteroid is "not a threat to Earth" but is still worth monitoring.

"It's a reminder that we need to be aware of the potential hazards that exist in space," Borisov said.

NASA has been tracking the asteroid since it was discovered and has determined that it poses no threat to Earth.

However, the agency is continuing to monitor the asteroid and will provide updates if there are any changes in its trajectory.