At a Glance

Asteroid 2018 RC was first spotted Monday and will make its closest approach to Earth Saturday night.It will come within 136,000 miles of Earth, which is about half the distance to the moon.

An asteroid the size of a 17-story high rise will zip past Earth this weekend.

Asteroid 2018 RC was first spotted Monday by theUniversity of Hawaii'sAsteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System(ATLAS). It measures up to 233 feet in diameter, which equals the height ofin Los Angeles, CNET notes.

The asteroid will make its closest approach to Earth Saturday night, coming within , which is about half the distance to the moon, Earthsky.org reports.

For stargazers with a telescope, the asteroid should be readily spotted, weather permitting.

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Clouds and rain are expected for most of the eastern U.S. from the Northeast into Texas, including much of the Midweston Saturdaynight, said weather.com meteorologist Linda Lam. Areas of the northern Plains and northern and central Rockies will also see a few showers and storms.

"The best chance for mostly clear skies will be found from the West Coast into the Southwest, as well as portions of the central Plains," Lam said. "A few spots in the Southeast, New England and upper Mississippi Valley may see breaks in the clouds."

For those who'd prefer to watch online from the comfort of their couch, the will live stream the asteroid's journey past Earth, beginning 6 p.m. EDT Saturday.