NASA asteroid alert: Three asteroids passing Earth today—one flying closer than the Moon

NASA asteroid alert

NASA has issued an asteroid alert as three near-Earth objects (NEOs), including one bus-sized and two airplane-sized asteroids, are set to fly past Earth on January 30, 2025. While none of these asteroids pose an immediate threat, their close approach highlights the importance of continued monitoring of space rocks that frequently pass by our planet.

Asteroids Approaching Earth on January 30, 2025

1. Asteroid 2025 BV5 (Bus-Sized)

Size: ~26 feet

Closest Approach: 264,000 miles (approximately 1.1 times the distance to the Moon)

2. Asteroid 2025 BU3 (Airplane-Sized)

Size: ~110 feet

Closest Approach: 813,000 miles (about 3 times the distance to the Moon)

3. Asteroid 2025 BJ2 (Airplane-Sized)

Size: ~130 feet

Closest Approach: 3,630,000 miles (over 15 times the distance to the Moon)

How Close Are These Asteroids?

Among the three, Asteroid 2025 BV5 will make the closest approach at 264,000 miles, bringing it closer than the Moon. The other two, 2025 BU3 and 2025 BJ2, will pass at much safer distances of 813,000 miles and 3.6 million miles, respectively.

Are These Asteroids Dangerous?

According to NASA, none of these asteroids are classified as potentially hazardous, as their trajectories do not pose a direct threat to Earth. However, objects of similar size (100–130 feet) have been known to cause significant regional impact if they were to enter Earth's atmosphere.

NASA’s Continuous Monitoring of Near-Earth Objects

NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) keeps a close watch on asteroids and comets that come within 4.6 million miles of Earth. The agency uses data from telescopes such as NEOWISE and Pan-STARRS to track their movement and assess any potential risks.

While these upcoming asteroid flybys are harmless, they serve as a reminder of the constant movement of space rocks near Earth. NASA continues to advance its planetary defense strategies, including missions like DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test), which successfully altered an asteroid’s trajectory in 2022.