'Potentially hazardous' asteroid the size of a skyscraper to skim past Earth on Tuesday

The asteroid, called 2023 BU, was discovered on Saturday, just three days before its close encounter with Earth.

It is estimated to be between 1,300 and 2,800 feet wide, making it about the size of the Empire State Building.

The asteroid is expected to pass by Earth at a distance of about 2,200 miles, which is closer than some satellites.

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

NASA is tracking the asteroid's trajectory and says there is no need for concern.

The asteroid is expected to make its closest approach to Earth at 7:27 p.m. EST on Tuesday.

It will then continue on its way, posing no further threat to our planet.

Here are some additional details about the asteroid:

• It is classified as an Apollo asteroid, which means it crosses Earth's orbit around the sun.
• It has a orbital period of about 425 days.
• It was discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey, which is funded by NASA.

NASA has a team of scientists who are constantly monitoring asteroids and other near-Earth objects.

The agency's goal is to identify any potential threats to our planet and to take steps to mitigate those threats.