sizable asteroid, designated 2025 FA22, is set to pass safely by Earth on Thursday, September 18, in what astronomers are calling a notable but non-threatening flyby. The asteroid, estimated to be between 120 and 280 meters in diameter—comparable to the length of two football fields—will pass Earth at a distance of approximately 523,000 miles (842,000 kilometers), which is more than twice the average distance between Earth and the Moon.
The flyby has been carefully tracked by astronomers and space agencies worldwide, and there is no risk of impact, officials emphasize. Events of this kind, involving near-Earth objects (NEOs) of this size and proximity, are relatively rare and occur only about once every decade, according to planetary defense experts.
"While 2025 FA22 is passing close in astronomical terms, it's still at a very safe distance," said a spokesperson from the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), which operates under NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office. "This flyby offers a valuable opportunity for observation and research, particularly in understanding the composition and trajectory of mid-sized asteroids."
Asteroids like 2025 FA22 are part of a category known as Apollo-class asteroids, which have orbits that can bring them close to Earth's path around the Sun. While many such objects are tracked as part of ongoing planetary defense initiatives, only a small fraction pass within a million miles of Earth, and even fewer are as large as FA22.
Scientists are expected to use radar and optical telescopes to monitor the asteroid during its passage, allowing for improved models of its orbit and surface features. These observations contribute to the broader effort to map and understand the population of near-Earth objects, especially those that could pose a future threat.
The flyby comes amid growing international interest in space situational awareness and planetary defense. Events like this reinforce the importance of continued investment in early detection and tracking systems for asteroids and other spaceborne objects.
Key Facts About Asteroid 2025 FA22:
- Size: Estimated 120–280 meters in diameter
- Flyby Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
- Closest Approach Distance: ~523,000 miles (842,000 km)
- Relative Distance: More than 2× the distance from Earth to the Moon
- Impact Risk: None — safe flyby
- Frequency of Such Events: Approximately once per decade
The asteroid will not be visible to the naked eye, but amateur astronomers with high-powered telescopes in certain regions may be able to catch a glimpse under favorable sky conditions.
For updates, animations, and tracking data on 2025 FA22 and other near-Earth objects, visit NASA’s official Near-Earth Object Observations Program website.
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