On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Earth had a close encounter with a massive asteroid known as 2025 FA22. While its size is intimidating and early predictions once raised concerns, astronomers confirm that this flyby is completely safe. Instead, the event provides scientists and skywatchers with a valuable opportunity to observe a rare cosmic visitor.
How Big Is Asteroid 2025 FA22?
Asteroid 2025 FA22 is estimated to measure between 427 and 951 feet (130–290 meters) across comparable in size to a modern skyscraper. To put this into perspective, an asteroid of this scale could devastate a large city if it ever collided with Earth. That’s one reason scientists carefully track its path.
During its September 18 flyby, the asteroid zipped past Earth at an incredible speed of about 24,000 miles per hour (38,600 km/h). At its closest point, it was approximately 520,000 miles (835,000 kilometers) away. That’s more than twice the distance between Earth and the Moon, so there was never any real danger of impact.
This safe distance demonstrates the accuracy of modern tracking systems, which help astronomers predict and monitor the movements of thousands of near-Earth objects.
From Impact Risk to Safe Pass
When 2025 FA22 was first discovered in March 2025 by the Pan-STARRS-2 telescope in Hawaii, preliminary calculations suggested a very slim chance of impact in 2089. That early forecast was enough to place it briefly on the European Space Agency’s risk list.
Fortunately, follow-up observations quickly refined its orbit and ruled out any danger for 2089. The asteroid has now been downgraded to a routine near-Earth object fascinating to watch, but not threatening.
Why Scientists Care About This Flyby
While the general public may focus on the spectacle of a large asteroid passing by, astronomers see 2025 FA22 as a learning opportunity. Close approaches like this allow scientists to:
Measure the asteroid’s size and brightness more accurately.
Study its rotation by watching how its light changes over time.
Test planetary defense tracking systems, ensuring that if a dangerous asteroid is ever found, we’ll have the tools to respond.
Refine its orbit for the future, reducing uncertainties about where it will be decades from now.
This isn’t just science for science’s sake it’s practice for planetary safety.
How to Watch the Flyby
Though 2025 FA22 is too faint to see with the naked eye, amateur astronomers with backyard telescopes were able to track its journey across the stars. For those without equipment, livestreams provided by groups like the Virtual Telescope Project made the event accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
These broadcasts, combined with the work of observatories worldwide, brought the event into homes around the globe, allowing space enthusiasts to watch history in real time.
What About the Future?
Asteroid 2025 FA22 will not threaten Earth in the foreseeable future. In fact, its next visits are also expected to be safe. One particularly close pass may occur in the year 2173, when it could come nearer than the Moon but even then, current data shows it will not collide.
This reminder highlights the importance of constant monitoring. The more we learn about asteroids like 2025 FA22, the better prepared humanity will be in case a truly hazardous space rock appears in our path one day.
The flyby of asteroid 2025 FA22 is both a reassurance and an inspiration. Reassurance, because it shows that even skyscraper-sized asteroids can pass harmlessly when carefully tracked. Inspiration, because it gives scientists and the public alike a glimpse into the dynamic solar system we live in.
While the asteroid is now continuing its journey through space, its safe visit on September 18 reminds us of two things: the vastness of the universe and the importance of keeping an eye on the skies.