A Close Encounter with a Giant!

Get ready for a cosmic event! An asteroid the size of a commercial jet is set to make a remarkable close flyby of Earth this September 3. Dubbed 2025 QD8, this near-Earth asteroid will pass dangerously close, at just 135,465 miles away — that's about 57% of the distance between Earth and the Moon!

When and Where to Watch!

Mark your calendars! 2025 QD8 is expected to zoom past at 10:57 a.m. ET (2:56 p.m. GMT). But if you don’t want to miss a second of this thrilling event, the Virtual Telescope Project has you covered with a live YouTube stream starting at 7 p.m. ET (11:00 p.m. GMT) on the same day. Tune in for live views captured by robotic telescopes in Manciano, Italy!

What Makes This Asteroid Special?

This celestial traveler measures between 55 and 124 feet (17 to 38 meters) in diameter and will be safely barreling through space at over 28,000 miles per hour (45,000 km/h). Thankfully, while it’s a close call, there’s no risk of collision with Earth or the Moon!

The Countdown to Discovery!

Just a few days ago, on August 30, the Virtual Telescope Project captured an incredible image of 2025 QD8 from an impressive 2.4 million miles away! Using the aptly named 17-inch telescope "Elena," the team showcased the asteroid as a tiny dot against a backdrop of distant stars.

A Growing List of Near-Earth Objects!

NASA and its partners have discovered a staggering number of asteroids that could come close to our planet, with thousands classified as potentially hazardous. As our knowledge of these cosmic bodies expands, events like this keep us on our toes while reminding us of the wonders of the universe!