Asteroid alert: This 42-foot space rock is about to come very close to Earth today, NASA reports

Asteroid coming towards Earth (Representative Image - Canva)

A bus-sized asteroid is set to pass close to Earth today. Named Asteroid 2025 DM7, this space rock will narrowly avoid impact, according to NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). Scientists have been closely tracking its path to assess any potential risks.

How Close Will It Get?
NASA reports that Asteroid 2025 DM7 will make its closest approach on 4 March 2025, coming within 294,000 miles of Earth. For comparison, the moon orbits at an average distance of 239,000 miles. Though this might seem far, in astronomical terms, it is a near miss.

The asteroid belongs to the Aten group of near-Earth objects (NEOs). It is moving at a speed of 15,825 miles per hour, making it a fast-moving object in space. Despite its close approach, NASA confirms it poses no immediate threat. However, scientists are keeping a close eye on it as it is expected to return on 1 March 2030 for another flyby.

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The Challenge of Tracking Asteroids
Asteroids like 2025 DM7 remind scientists of the challenges in tracking space rocks. While NASA has several telescopes monitoring the skies, some asteroids are hard to detect. Those approaching from the direction of the sun can be especially difficult to spot due to the bright glare.

Hidden asteroids that go unnoticed until the last moment pose a real challenge. If an object is detected too late, there may not be enough time to take action. NASA and other space agencies are working on improving early detection systems to prepare for potential threats.

For now, 2025 DM7 will pass by safely, but its return in the future will be closely monitored.