NASA spots two giant asteroids racing towards Earth, to make closest approach today

Asteroid Alert! (Image: Canva)

NASA has detected two near-Earth asteroids, named 2025 OA3 and 2025 PA. These space objects will make their closest approach on August 4. Experts say there is no risk to Earth. The asteroids are each around 120 feet wide. That’s almost the size of a commercial jet. Scientists say these rocks are moving at high speeds.

Asteroid 2025 OA3 will travel at 30,498 miles per hour. It will pass Earth at a distance of 1,420,000 miles. The second asteroid, 2025 PA, will move slightly slower. It will fly at 22,219 miles per hour and pass within 2,050,000 miles. Despite being called "near," both will miss Earth by a wide margin.

Why scientists care about ancient space rocks

Asteroids like 2025 OA3 are billions of years old. These rocky objects hold secrets about the early solar system. Scientists believe they formed around 4.6 billion years ago. By studying them, researchers learn more about Earth’s past. Some past impacts have changed life on our planet. One such event wiped out the dinosaurs. That’s why experts closely track space rocks today.

High-tech tools used to protect the planet

NASA uses radar to follow the path of each asteroid. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory leads this vital mission. Their work helps predict any possible future threats. Missions like OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2 have even collected asteroid dust. These samples offer clues about how life began on Earth.

Experts stress there is no need for worry. But the regular tracking of space rocks remains important. Each passing asteroid brings a chance to learn and prepare.