Sky watchers may have reason to look up this week. NASA has confirmed that two asteroids will fly past Earth on August 3. The good news is there’s no danger.
Asteroid 2025 OC6 to Fly Close to Earth
Asteroid 2025 OC6 is nearly the size of a bus. It measures around 25 feet in total diameter. The space rock will pass Earth from a safe distance. NASA says it will be about 1.5 million miles away. That’s roughly 6.28 times the Moon’s distance from us.
The asteroid is moving at 10,147 miles per hour. Though it is considered a “near miss,” there is no threat. Scientists say such flybys happen more often than most people think.
Second Space Rock, Asteroid 2025 OW3, Also Nears
Another asteroid, named 2025 OW3, will also zoom by. This one is slightly larger, measuring about 64 feet across. It is travelling at nearly 31,133 miles per hour. OW3 will come within 1.8 million miles of Earth. That is well within NASA’s monitoring zone but far from risky.
Experts say both asteroids belong to the Apollo group. These are near-Earth objects that cross our planet’s orbit. Their paths are tracked closely using radar and space data.
Why Scientists Keep an Eye on Space Rocks
Asteroids are like time capsules from early space history. They date back over 4.6 billion years. Studying them helps us learn how the solar system began. Events like the dinosaur extinction show their impact.
NASA and other space agencies stay alert using new tools. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory uses radar to study asteroid routes. Missions like OSIRIS-REx bring samples back to Earth. These samples offer clues about the building blocks of life.
There’s no need to panic, scientists say. But every close approach is a chance to learn more.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
