NASA Alerts: A giant 130-foot asteroid 2025 OT4 to fly past Earth on August 7

Asteroid Alert! (Image: Canva)

Watching the skies at night can feel peaceful and calm. But now and then, something from space shakes that stillness. A huge asteroid is heading our way this week. It is gaining attention from astronomers across the world.

How close will asteroid 2025 OT4 come?
NASA has confirmed the asteroid is on a set path. It measures about 130 feet in total width. It will fly past Earth on August 7. The rock will travel at 13,401 miles per hour. At its closest, it will be 924,000 miles away. That may sound far, but it is still close. The asteroid belongs to the Aten group of rocks. These are known to cross Earth’s orbit often.

The space rock does not meet danger marks. NASA only flags a rock as risky when it is nearer than 7.4 million kilometres. It must also be wider than 85 metres. Asteroid OT4 meets neither condition.

Why scientists watch every close asteroid
Even harmless asteroids are tracked with care. A slight shift can change its course quickly. Agencies such as NASA and ISRO keep a close watch. They study all known flybys to stay prepared. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath recently outlined future plans. He hopes to study larger rocks such as Apophis. That asteroid will pass close to Earth in 2029. India also plans missions to land on asteroids soon.

What makes OT4 worth tracking now
Though 2025 OT4 is not a threat, it is still key. It reminds us that space is full of surprises. What looks calm can turn risky fast. The asteroid’s visit shows why research must not pause. Earth may be safe now, but experts are not sleeping on it.