A huge asteroid, 2025 JR, has caught the world’s notice because it is on a course for a close approach to Earth. About the same size as a 25-storey building, the space rock will make its closest approach on Wednesday, May 28.
Yet, even though the object will fly past us at a safe 4.6 million kilometers, that is an unusually close distance for astronomers. Because the asteroid is big, travels fast and passes close to Earth, it has interested scientists, space agencies and skywatchers. The absence of danger reminds us that unexpectedly close near-Earth objects still require our continued monitoring and preparation.
At about 8:40 am IST on 28 May 2025, Asteroid 2025 JR will pass Earth and measure about 250 feet (76 meters) across which is considered respectable in space. This is an Apollo-class near-Earth object (NEO) which means it’s one that has an orbit that crosses Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
So, these types of asteroids are always closely observed for safety reasons. The rate at which the asteroid moves would allow it to orbit the globe if it stayed in space, all the way around in just under sixty minutes. Although 2025 JR is not classed as a potentially hazardous asteroid due to its small size, a collision with the Earth would create serious damage.
Should asteroid 2025 JR hit our planet, the result would be disastrous. Such high speed means the impact energy would be equal to several nuclear bombs going off at the same time. Such a situation would cause destruction, huge explosions and could bring about widespread loss of life.
Analysts have commonly drawn a parallel with the Tunguska incident in 1908, in which a relatively small asteroid or comet or asteroid exploded over Siberia. Despite beginning with a small space object, the blast covered roughly 2,000 square kilometres of trees—more than the entire Delhi city area.
Tracking asteroid 2025 JR involves many parts of the world working together. NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies oversees the process by gathering information from telescopes and radar all over the world. Amateurs also contribute by searching the sky for things that have not yet been identified. The network plays a role in making forecasts for upcoming nearly hypervelocity objects.
