NASA warns: A giant, stadium-sized asteroid, 2005 VO5, will pass Earth at high speed on 11 July

NASA's Asteroid Alert! (Image: Canva)

A large asteroid is set to pass close to Earth on 11 July. While no danger is expected, space agencies are keeping a careful watch.

Watch the Skies: A Space Visitor Draws Near

Sky watchers have their eyes on the stars again. A huge asteroid, nearly the size of a stadium, is heading past Earth this week. The object, known as asteroid 2005 VO5, is expected to make its closest approach on Thursday, 11 July.

NASA reports that the space rock measures around 1,200 feet across. At its nearest point, it will fly past Earth at a distance of 3,780,000 kilometres. That may sound distant, but in space terms, it’s quite close. The asteroid is travelling at a speed of 32,161 miles per hour.

No Danger, But Still Worth Tracking

Asteroid 2005 VO5 belongs to the Aten group. These asteroids often cross Earth’s path during their orbits around the Sun. NASA has confirmed that this flyby poses no threat to our planet.

To be labelled hazardous, an asteroid must come within 7.4 million kilometres and be larger than 85 meters wide. Though 2005 VO5 fits the size, its distance rules out any danger. Still, experts say it’s worth monitoring. Even small changes in its orbit could affect future paths.

ISRO Looks Ahead to 2029 and Beyond

India’s space agency, ISRO, is also keeping close watch. Chairman S. Somanath has spoken about the importance of planetary defence. He plans to monitor Apophis, a much larger asteroid due in 2029.

ISRO hopes to work with NASA, ESA, and JAXA. Their joint aim is to improve our readiness for space threats. Plans are also underway to send missions to land on asteroids. These would help us understand how to protect Earth in future scenarios. As 2005 VO5 sails safely past, experts remind us to stay alert. Space may seem quiet, but surprises are always possible.