A massive 120-foot asteroid 2022 YS5 to fly past Earth on 17 July, NASA warns

NASA's Asteroid Alert! (Image: Canva)

Sky watchers and scientists have their eyes on the sky. A building-sized asteroid is quietly heading our way—but there’s no need to panic.

NASA Confirms a Safe Passage

NASA has confirmed that asteroid 2022 YS5 will pass by Earth on 17 July. Measuring about 120 feet wide, it's roughly the size of an airplane. At its closest point, it will come within 4.15 million kilometres of Earth. Travelling at a speed of over 14,000 miles per hour, the asteroid will make a swift but safe flyby.

Although that distance may sound huge, it's quite close in space terms. 2022 YS5 belongs to the Aten group, a set of asteroids known to cross Earth’s path. NASA has stated there’s no danger from this one. To be considered hazardous, an asteroid must come within 7.4 million kilometres and be larger than 85 metres. This object doesn’t meet either condition, but it’s being monitored carefully for any changes.

India's ISRO Eyes Future Threats

Even though this space rock is harmless, space agencies are not taking chances. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is already preparing for bigger events. Chairman S. Somanath recently highlighted the importance of planetary defence. He has expressed interest in observing the large asteroid Apophis, which will pass Earth in 2029.

ISRO also hopes to collaborate with international agencies like NASA, ESA and JAXA. Plans are underway to launch missions that could land on asteroids. These missions aim to study possible threats and test how to protect Earth from a future impact.

Looking Beyond the Sky

While 2022 YS5 poses no threat, experts remain watchful. A small shift in orbit can sometimes change everything. This flyby serves as a gentle reminder that even distant objects can matter. The sky may seem calm, but scientists know it must always be watched.