A giant asteroid nicknamed 'The Rock' is set to swing by Earth today

From Country Living UK

An asteroid, which is so big it has been nicknamed 'The Rock' after professional wrestler Dwayne Johnson, is expected to make its closest pass to Earth on Wednesday.

According to NASA, it will be an "outstanding opportunity" to observe the phenomenon as it flies by at a distance of about 1.1 million miles. This will make it the largest asteroid to come this close to our planet since 2004.

Astronomers first learned about the asteroid, which is officially known as 2014 JO25, three years ago, when it was observed by the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona. Although there is little information available on its physical properties, NASA's measurements indicate that the peanut-shaped asteroid is roughly 2,000 feet (650 meters) in size, and that its surface is about twice as reflective as that of the moon.

However, despite its size and proximity, there's said to be zero chance of 'The Rock' striking Earth and scientists have been quick to point out that it will "safely" be zooming past our planet.

So, will amateur astronomers be able to see it?

"The asteroid will approach Earth from the direction of the sun and will become visible in the night sky after April 19," explains NASA. "It is predicted to brighten to about magnitude 11, when it could be visible in small optical telescopes for one or two nights before it fades as the distance from Earth rapidly increases."

Smaller asteroids regularly come close to Earth, but if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of one of this size, now's your chance. This will be closest approach of JO25 for at least 500 years and the next giant asteroid isn't due to fly by until 2027, when the half-mile-wide 1999 AN10 is predicted to pass at a distance of 236,000 miles.

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