Asteroid Worth Billions to Bypass Earth Friday, Just Not Close Enough to Chase Down

An asteroid the size of a cruise ship — 2012 DA14 — that will bypass our planet Friday could be worth almost $200 billion, according to prospective asteroid miners.

In relative space distances, the asteroid is cutting it close to Earth — 17,200 miles, or 15 minutes, from our planet. But miners say the asteroid's orbit makes it too difficult to chase down, according to a report posted by Fox News.  

Officials with Deep Space Industries, a company that plans to mine asteroids for gold, platinum and other minerals, say the rock could contain $65 billion of recoverable water and $130 billion in metals.

Click here to watch Bill Nye, "The Science Guy," explain the effect an asteroid impact could have on the earth.  

What do you think about asteroid mining ventures — is there gold in them thar rocks?

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