In a rare celestial event, an asteroid the size of a skyscraper is set to pass within 1.7 million miles of Earth on Friday. According to NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies, there is no need to panic as there is zero chance of the asteroid colliding with our planet. The massive space rock, known as 2008 OS7, will be a staggering seven times the distance between Earth and the moon as it zooms by.

Measuring between 690 feet and 1,575 feet in diameter, this colossal asteroid rivals iconic structures like New York City's Empire State Building and Chicago's Willis Tower. Discovered in 2008, this celestial visitor won't return to our vicinity until 2032, but even then, it will be a much more distant encounter, staying a staggering 45 million miles away.

While this particular flyby poses no threat, it is just one of several encounters happening this week. On Friday, three smaller asteroids, no more than tens of yards in size, will also harmlessly buzz Earth. This will be followed by two additional encounters on Saturday. Then, on Sunday, another asteroid, roughly half the size of 2008 OS7, will swing by, keeping a safe distance of 4.5 million miles away.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department, which receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group, emphasizes that these flybys are harmless and pose no danger to Earth or its inhabitants. As always, NASA and other space agencies around the world continue to monitor and track these celestial objects to ensure the safety of our planet.

While these events may capture the attention of space enthusiasts and astronomers alike, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to understand and study the vast cosmos around us.