Skywatchers should be able to see a giant asteroid named "God of Chaos" as it passes by Earth.

Hudson Valley Post logo
Get our free mobile app

The "potentially hazardous" space rock is expected to fly past Earth on Friday at 8:15 p.m. Officials believe The "God of Chaos" asteroid is potentially hazardous because of its size and how close it is to Earth.

Scientists believe the asteroid is 1,017 ft to 2,230 feet and will pass Earth tonight by 10,225,000 miles, which is equal to 43 times the distance from the earth to the moon, Newsweek reports.

The asteroid is named Apophis nicknamed the "God of Chaos," after the Egyptian god.

"This will be the closest approach by something this large currently known," NASA said about the asteroid's Friday night fly-by, according to the Daily Star. "Apophis will be visible to the naked eye for several hours, and Earth tides will probably change its spin state."

Scientists will be monitoring the "God of Chaos" asteroid closely tonight because it's expected to be only 19,800 miles from Earth when it returns in April 2029. However, researchers believe there's a 3 percent chance of the space rock hitting earth in 2029, according to Fox News.

 

It's supposed to be back in 2036 and could be even closer to earth in 2068.

Friday morning Jupiter and Mercury were expected to cross paths. Many on the East Coast noticed a glowing red cloud on Wednesday.

Keep Reading:

Sneak Peek of Hudson Valley Native Jimmy Fallon's Stunning New York Home

Post Malone Visits Poughkeepsie

LOOK: Here are the best small towns to live in across America

Celebrities Who Live in the Hudson Valley

Mariano Rivera Spotted At Hudson Valley Business

More From Hudson Valley Post