Wednesday's science stories

Huge asteroid to pass close to Earth
A 2000-foot-asteroid will fly past Earth Wednesday night at the closest distance it has come in the past 400 years, according to NASA. The asteroid, known as 2014 JO25, will pass at a distance of 1.1 million miles — about 4.6 times the distance from Earth to moon — and will be its closest approach for at least the next 500 years.
How to see it: The asteroid will approach Earth from the direction of the sun, and will become visible for one or two nights after April 19.
Don't freak out: NASA said there is no chance the asteroid will collide with Earth.

Google Earth gets a makeover
Google Earth released new features Tuesday that will let users see the world like never before.
- "Knowledge Cards": Gives more information on certain locations, and includes the history and pictures of places people search for.
- "I'm feeling lucky": Suggests locations that are "a little bit off the beaten path" – like a spot that a local might recommend.
- "Points of Interest": Recommends places it thinks the user will like based on their search history.
- Guided Tours: Google Earth is partnering with organizations like BBC Planet Earth, NASA, Sesame Street, and the Jane Goodall Institute for interactive guided tours.
- "Postcard": Users can send a snapshot of the location they are viewing to friends and family.
What's next: The remodeled Google Earth rolls out this week on Chrome and Android, and it will become available on iOS and other browsers soon.
