Asteroid 2025 FA22 Skims Past Earth in Safe Flyby

Lead An enormous asteroid designated 2025 FA22 passed safely just over twice the distance to the Moon from Earth today at 07:41 UTC, offering scientists a prime observation opportunity.

Nut Graf The close approach of 2025 FA22-measuring 130-290 meters-posed no impact risk but allowed astronomers to refine its trajectory, study its composition and surface properties, and test planetary defense tracking methods.

Key Details

• Close approach distance: ~780,000 km (2.03 lunar distances)
• Size estimate: 130-290 m in diameter
• Close-encounter time: September 18, 2025, at 07:41 UTC
• Observing teams: International Asteroid Warning Network, ESA, Virtual Telescope Project

Scientific Significance Researchers used astrometry and polarimetry during the flyby to update orbital models and assess surface features. Early impact concerns for 2089 were dismissed as more data refined its path, lowering any collision probability to zero.

Next Steps Planetary defense networks will incorporate the new observations to enhance future predictive capabilities. Follow-up studies are planned to analyze spectral data collected during the Earth encounter, improving understanding of near-Earth object populations.