Two Large Asteroids Make Close May 2025 Flybys

In May 2025, two asteroids are making close approaches to Earth, drawing attention from NASA and astronomers. The larger asteroid, 387746 (2003 MH4), nearly as tall as the Eiffel Tower, will safely pass within 6.68 million kilometers of Earth on May 24 at a speed of 30,060 kilometers per hour and is classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid due to its size and proximity. A smaller asteroid, 2025 KF, approximately house-sized, will fly by at about 115,000 kilometers on May 21, posing no threat as it would disintegrate in the atmosphere if it entered. These flybys underscore the importance of advances in planetary defense and the need for constant monitoring, as even newly discovered objects like 2025 KF highlight the unpredictable nature of near-Earth space. NASA's Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies, in collaboration with international agencies, uses a global network of telescopes and computing systems to track thousands of objects. Experts emphasize that while no significant impacts are expected in the next century, ongoing vigilance is essential for planetary safety.