NASA says asteroid to make a fly-by on Sunday

PASADENA, Calif., Sept. 4 (UPI) -- On Thursday, NASA announced a small asteroid will come close to Earth this weekend. Astronomers said there is no danger to Earth or any of the satellites in orbit.

According to the space agency, the asteroid, called 2014 RC, will come within 25,000 miles of the Earth on Sunday. At the time of closest approach, around 2:18 pm EDT, it is expected to be over New Zealand.

They said the asteroid is so small, it will not be visible with the naked eye, however, amateur astronomers may be able to see it with small telescopes.

While 2014 RC will not have any impact on Earth, NASA said the orbit of the asteroid will bring it back into our neighborhood in the future. NASA said they will keep a close eye on it, however no future encounters threatening Earth have been identified.

This is the second time this year an asteroid has come close to Earth. In May a 25 foot asteroid came within 186,000 miles of Earth and in June a 1,300 foot asteroid passed by.