A Close Call: Asteroid 2002 JX8 Approaches!

Mark your calendars for May 9th! The potentially hazardous asteroid (612356) 2002 JX8 is making its way towards Earth, sailing past at a distance of just 4.2 million kilometers—about 10.9 times farther than the Moon. But don’t worry, there's no threat here!

What Makes 2002 JX8 So Intriguing?

Discovered on May 4, 2002, by the LINEAR Survey, this asteroid boasts a sizable diameter ranging from 230 to 510 meters. It will make its closest approach to Earth on May 9, 2025, at exactly 11:02 UTC. While its size categorizes it as potentially hazardous, it poses no danger this time around.

Catch the Action Live!

Excited to see it for yourself? The Virtual Telescope Project is hosting a live online observation of this stellar event! Tune in on May 8, 2025, starting at 20:30 UTC to watch as asteroid 2002 JX8 approaches Earth. Experience this cosmic marvel right from your living room!

Join Us for a Spectacular Show!

Simply head over to our webTV page on the scheduled date and time to witness the asteroid in real-time. It's an event you won't want to miss!

Why Should You Care?

Such close encounters with asteroids occur roughly once a year, according to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies. Each event serves as a reminder of the fascinating dynamic between our planet and the cosmos. So gear up for this astronomical adventure!