As Christmas Eve approaches, a cosmic visitor is set to make its presence known. NASA's eyes are on the skies, tracking the asteroid's journey.

While this is considered a “close approach” by interstellar standards — NASA defines near-Earth objects (NEOs) as those that come within 4.6 million miles — we’re not about to get some cosmic coal shoved down our stockings so to speak.

NASA will deploy cutting-edge technology to better understand the inner workings of 2024 XN1 during its near-Earth passage.

XN1, nicknamed the "Christmas Eve asteroid," will pass Earth at a speed of 14,743 mph on December 24, reaching its closest point at 02:56 am GMT.

An asteroid the size of around nine reindeer - coincidentally, how many reindeer Santa Claus supposedly uses - is set to pass by the Earth on Christmas.

The massive rock is believed to be ten storeys high and will skim past the planet at 14,743 miles per hour in the early hours of Christmas Eve, according to NASA

Near-Earth objects are asteroids and comets with orbits that bring them to within 120 million miles of the Sun.

NASA scientists are closely monitoring 120-foot long Asteroid 2024 XN1, which they say is set to "skim" Earth on December 24th at a speed of 14,743 miles

Nasa has issued an update on a huge asteroid which will pass Earth on Christmas Eve. On the night when Father Christmas will be tearing up the skies in his sleigh, he might need to just watch out for any hazards whizzing by.

As people prepare for Christmas Eve celebrations, the skies are preparing for their own dramatic spectacle. Tonight, a massive asteroid will make a close approach to Earth, providing both a moment of wonder and an opportunity for scientists to learn more about these celestial visitors.