Don't Freak but This Asteroid Will Get Close - Really Close - to Earth

As far as asteroids flying by the Eath, this visit qualifies as a rather close call - though nothing to worry about. Early Tuesday, a small asteroid will fly past Earth at an altitude of about 27,960 miles.

The recently-discovered asteroid, which astronomers refer to as 2010 TD54, is expected to make its approach at approximately 6:50 EDT a.m. over southeastern Asia near Singapore.

NASA says there is zero probability of the asteroid smacking into the Earth. 2010 TD54, which was sighted on Oct. 9, measures about 6 to 33 feet wide. Even if the asteroid went off course and did enter the Earth's atmosphere, NASA says it would likely burn up high in the atmosphere and cause no damage to people.

This is shaping up to be a busy autumn for asteroid watchers. On Oct. 20, the Hartley 2 Comet will become visible when it gets within 11 million miles of Earth on one of its recurring visits.