A giant 180-foot asteroid is on its way to Earth at a speed of 39,205 mph, NASA confirms

NASA's Asteroid Alert! (Image: Canva)

Stargazing often brings peace, but sometimes the sky surprises. This week, all eyes are on asteroid 2025 QY4, a rock the size of an aeroplane, now heading towards Earth.

How close will asteroid 2025 QY4 come?
NASA says asteroid 2025 QY4 is on its way. The rock measures nearly 180 feet wide. It is travelling at 30,205 miles per hour. The asteroid will pass Earth on 29 August. Its closest distance will be 2,810,000 miles away.

Scientists say the asteroid poses no danger. By space standards, this flyby is considered close. The rock belongs to the Aten group, known for crossing Earth’s orbit. NASA marks objects as hazardous if they come closer than 7.4 million kilometres and are wider than 85 metres. Asteroid 2025 QY4 does not fit these conditions.

Why are space agencies watching it?
Even safe flybys can shift course slightly. That is why agencies track such rocks carefully. ISRO chief S. Somanath said India plans to study larger asteroids. Apophis, expected in 2029, is a key target. ISRO also hopes to partner with NASA, ESA and JAXA. Missions to land on asteroids are also being prepared.

The asteroid carries no risk but holds meaning. It reminds us the sky can change quickly. Tracking such events highlights the importance of global research. While this rock will pass without harm, scientists will keep watching.