NASA tracks two massive, airplane-sized asteroids set for a close encounter with Earth today

Asteroid approaching Earth

Space can be unpredictable, but NASA is always watching. On 6 March, three asteroids will pass Earth, including two the size of an airplane and one the size of a bus. While they pose no danger, their approach highlights the importance of constant monitoring and planetary defence efforts.

Asteroids Passing Close to Earth
NASA’s data confirms Asteroid 2025 DU2, about 150 feet wide, will pass 337,000 miles away—just beyond the Moon. Asteroid 2025 DS3, around 100 feet wide, will be 4,070,000 miles away. Another asteroid, 2025 EW1, will fly past at a distance of 509,000 miles.

Are These Asteroids a Threat?
NASA assures that none of these asteroids pose an immediate risk. However, objects of similar size have caused regional damage before. Scientists closely track such space rocks to predict future threats and assess potential risks.

The Planetary Defense Coordination Office monitors asteroids within 4.6 million miles of Earth. Using telescopes like NEOWISE and Pan-STARRS, experts study their paths and impact risks. NASA also develops deflection missions like DART, which successfully changed an asteroid’s course in 2022.