'Mountain-sized' asteroid heading towards Earth

MASSIVE: The asteroid will be one of the largest to pass near Earth for years [GETTY]

2004 BL86 will be the largest space rock to come this close to our planet until 2027.

The massive asteroid is believe to be around 500 metres wide and will be clearly visible from the ground.

It was first spotted 11 years ago by scientists in New Mexico whose job it is to monitor space for asteroids which may strike Earth.

Don Yeomans from Nasa said: "While it poses no threat to Earth for the foreseeable future, it's a relatively close approach by a relatively large asteroid, so it provides us a unique opportunity to observe and learn more."

A large asteroid striking the planet could have catastrophic consequences for the human race.

It is believed the dinosaurs were wiped out after a large object hit Earth.

See more via Daily Star

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