NASA confirms near-Earth flyby of '2025 TF' passing just 266 miles above planet's surface

Asteroid 2025 TF, a few hours after its closest pass to Earth. (Image: ESA/Las Cumbres Observatory)

Asteroid 2025 TF made one of the closest recorded flybys of Earth on 1 October 2025, passing just 266 miles (428 km) above the planet’s surface over Antarctica. The asteroid travelled within the orbit of the International Space Station, making it a startlingly near miss. Despite its proximity, the space rock posed no threat to Earth.

What is 2025 TF?

Estimated to be 1 to 3 metres in diameter, 2025 TF is a relatively small asteroid in astronomical terms. Objects of this size typically burn up upon entering Earth’s atmosphere. They often produce brief light displays or leave small meteorites when entered the Earth's atmosphere.

Its size and composition meant it was never considered a significant threat, yet its near miss has attracted attention from astronomers worldwide.

Why Was It Detected So Late?

The rock wasn't actually discovered until it had already passed Earth. The Kitt Peak-Bok Observatory in Arizona was the first to report it, at 06:36 UTC. Later, it was tracked back to data in the Catalina Sky Survey, which captured it just two hours after its closest pass. The delayed detection highlights the ongoing challenge of spotting small near-Earth objects before they pass by.

When Will It Return?

According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 2025 TF has an orbital period of roughly 2.06 years. Its next known approach to Earth is projected for April 2087, at a much safer distance of about 8 million kilometres. This is roughly 21 times the distance to the Moon.

What Does This Event Highlight?

This event highlights the challenges in detecting small near-Earth objects, as many pass unnoticed until after their closest approach. The close flyby serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous monitoring and tracking of near-Earth objects to assess potential risks and improve early detection capabilities.