A giant 180-foot asteroid to zoom past Earth today at a speed of 39,205 mph, NASA confirms

Asteroid Alert! (Image: Canva)

Looking up at the night sky can feel calm and steady, but sometimes a visitor from space reminds us how active the universe really is. This week, an asteroid the size of an aeroplane is passing close to Earth.

NASA confirmed the space rock, measuring about 180 feet wide, will pass on 29 August. It will come within 2,810,000 miles of Earth while travelling at 30,205 miles per hour. Though that sounds distant, astronomers describe it as close in cosmic terms.

Is the asteroid considered dangerous?
The asteroid belongs to the Aten group, known for crossing Earth’s orbit. But experts stress it poses no threat. NASA only classifies asteroids as hazardous if they approach within 7.4 million kilometres and measure more than 85 metres wide. Asteroid 2025 QY4 does not meet either condition, making this a safe flyby.

Even non-threatening asteroids are monitored closely because orbits can shift. A small change could alter a trajectory and create new risks. That is why NASA and other global agencies continue to track and study every object passing nearby.

What are India’s plans for asteroid research?
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath recently outlined ambitions to explore larger asteroids in future missions. Among them is Apophis, expected to approach Earth in 2029. He also signalled plans for cooperation with NASA, ESA and JAXA, including missions to land on asteroids and collect data.

While harmless, the asteroid serves as a reminder of space’s unpredictability. A still night sky can change in an instant, and such flybys highlight the need for strong monitoring and preparedness. Asteroid 2025 QY4 will pass without incident, but astronomers across the globe will be watching closely.