A giant 110-foot asteroid is heading towards Earth at high speed today, NASA warns

Asteroid Alert! (Image: Canva)

Looking at the stars often feels calm and timeless. But sometimes a visitor from space brings concern and captures attention worldwide. One such asteroid is now approaching Earth this week.

How close will asteroid 2025 OG1 come?
NASA has confirmed asteroid 2025 OG1 is travelling towards Earth. The rock measures nearly 110 feet in size and is moving at 9,343 miles per hour. It will safely pass Earth on 5 September, reaching a closest distance of 3,450,000 miles. Scientists note this is considered close when measured in space.

Does the asteroid pose any risk?
The asteroid belongs to the Aten group that often crosses Earth’s orbit. Experts say there is no danger despite its size. NASA only classifies rocks as hazardous if they pass within 7.4 million kilometres and measure more than 85 metres wide. Asteroid 2025 OG1 does not fit both conditions, so it is not listed as a threat.

Even safe flybys are carefully monitored by global agencies. A small shift in orbit could change a rock’s path drastically. This is why researchers from NASA, ESA, JAXA and ISRO keep watch on objects like OG1. Tracking efforts help prepare against unexpected surprises in the sky.

What are India’s asteroid mission plans?
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath recently revealed future exploration ideas. He plans to study larger asteroids, including Apophis, expected to pass Earth in 2029. India also hopes to collaborate with global space agencies and land spacecraft on asteroids to study their makeup.

Though OG1 carries no threat, it reminds us of space’s unpredictability. The skies may seem calm but can change suddenly. This flyby highlights the importance of research and tracking, keeping the world’s eyes fixed on the approaching rock.