A massive 70-foot asteroid to make its close approach with Earth today, NASA confirms

Asteroid Alert! (Image: Canva)

The quiet of the night sky will briefly stir this week, as an airplane-sized asteroid prepares to pass close to Earth. The flyby is drawing keen attention from astronomers worldwide.

How close will the asteroid come?
NASA has confirmed asteroid 2025 RL2 is approaching. The space rock measures about 70 feet wide and is racing through space at 21,613 miles per hour. On 19 September, it will pass Earth at a distance of nearly 135,000 miles. That may sound distant, but by space standards it is considered close.

The asteroid belongs to the Aten group, known for crossing Earth’s orbit. Despite its proximity, experts stress there is no danger. NASA only lists objects as hazardous if they are wider than 85 metres and closer than 7.4 million kilometres. RL2 does not meet those conditions.

Why do scientists track such flybys?
Even harmless asteroids are closely monitored by space agencies. A small change in orbit could alter their paths dramatically. That is why scientists across the world remain alert and follow such objects carefully.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has also outlined India’s plans for future missions. He said larger asteroids like Apophis, expected in 2029, are on the radar for study. India hopes to work with NASA, ESA and JAXA and even send missions to land on asteroids for closer research.

What makes RL2 significant?
Asteroid 2025 RL2 is not a threat to Earth, but it is a reminder of the surprises that can happen in space. A peaceful sky can turn in an instant, and every passage emphasises the importance of robust tracking and study. Although this flyby is a quiet one, scientists report that the ever-vigilant eyes of Earth will continue to watch the skies.