A rare asteroid is set to make a close approach to Earth in the coming weeks. The large and potentially hazardous object, 2025 FA22, will be visible to amateur astronomers with small telescopes.
Discovered on March 29 this year by the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS 2) observatory in Hawaii, 2025 FA22 is estimated to be between 120-280 meters in size. Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), like 2025 FA22, are monitored by NASA for potential risks of impact with Earth.
Although the asteroid’s trajectory suggests it won’t hit our planet, its predicted close approaches may still pose a risk. In September 2025, the asteroid will approach within 841,900 kilometers (523,100 miles) of Earth, which is further out than the Moon. This distance will make it visible to observers with small telescopes.
To better understand 2025 FA22, astronomers will conduct a coordinated global observing campaign under the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN). The campaign aims to collect data on the asteroid’s physical characteristics and orbit as it approaches Earth. A live stream of the event will be available on September 18 through the Virtual Telescope Project.
This rare opportunity allows scientists to gather valuable data and refine their understanding of near-Earth asteroids like 2025 FA22.
Source: https://www.iflscience.com/once-in-a-decade-close-encounter-with-hazardous-asteroid-2025-fa22-approaches-80765