A huge visitor from deep space is set to pass near Earth this week. Astronomers are closely tracking asteroid 2025 SZ27 as it speeds through our cosmic neighbourhood.
How close will asteroid 2025 SZ27 get?
NASA confirmed that asteroid 2025 SZ27 is heading towards Earth on 4 October. The space rock measures about 100 feet across and is travelling at roughly 38,022 miles per hour. At its closest, it will pass about 734,000 miles away from the planet.
That might seem like a safe distance, but scientists consider it close by astronomical standards. The asteroid is part of the Aten group, a family of space rocks known for crossing Earth’s orbit. Despite its size, NASA says 2025 SZ27 does not meet the criteria to be labelled hazardous, which applies only to objects closer than 7.4 million kilometres and wider than 85 metres.
Why do scientists track harmless asteroids?
Even objects that do not present an immediate danger are kept under surveillance. A slight change in an asteroid's trajectory can drastically change its path, which is why they are kept under close surveillance across the globe.
ISRO chief S. Somanath recently announced expansion plans for asteroid studies. India wishes to collaborate with NASA, ESA, and JAXA on future missions, possibly including a mission to the huge asteroid Apophis, which is going to fly by Earth in 2029. India also plans to land on asteroids to analyze their surface and composition.
Why is 2025 SZ27 so interesting?
While 2025 SZ27 is not a threat to Earth, its passage serves as a reminder of how unstable and unpredictable space really is. The passage of the asteroid underscores the necessity of ongoing monitoring and study to be ready for future encounters.
This flyby will probably go off without a hitch, but it is a timely reminder of why scientists always have one eye on the skies. A small rock today can be a big find tomorrow.
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