Asteroid 2004 FH Whizzes By . ... Explanation: Last week, a small asteroid approached unusually close to the Earth. Asteroid 2004 FH posed no danger, but became bright enough to see with binoculars. Passing only 7 Earth radii away, this asteroid pass was the closest yet that was previously predicted, although it was discovered only two days before. ... An asteroid this size passes this close to Earth about every two years. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...