Asteroid 2025 MA90 Skims Earth in Close Flyby
Published Date: 15th Jul, 2025
July 15, 2025 — London, UK
An asteroid roughly the size of a 20-storey building, designated 2025 MA90, has safely passed Earth today, July 15, 2025, at 17:58 UTC. The asteroid, approximately 280 feet (85 meters) in diameter, traveled at a speed of 20,263 miles per hour (32,600 km/h), passing at a distance of about 4.02 million kilometers (2.5 million miles) from our planet. This distance is over 10 times the average distance between Earth and the Moon, posing no threat to our planet.
A Close Encounter with a Cosmic Visitor
Asteroid 2025 MA90 is classified as an Aten-type near-Earth object, characterized by orbits that cross Earth's path. Despite its proximity in astronomical terms, the asteroid's trajectory was well-calculated, and its flyby posed no danger. NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office continues to monitor such objects to assess any potential future risks.
Global Monitoring and Preparedness
While 2025 MA90's flyby was safe, it underscores the importance of global vigilance in monitoring near-Earth objects. Agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) utilize advanced telescopes and tracking systems to detect and analyze asteroids that come close to Earth. The close approach of 2025 MA90 serves as a reminder of the need for continued investment in planetary defense strategies to protect our planet from potential future threats.
Looking Ahead: Future Close Approaches
Asteroid 2025 MA90 is part of a series of near-Earth objects that have made close passes this month. For instance, on July 2, 2025, asteroid 2025 MK90, approximately 93 feet (28 meters) in diameter, passed Earth at a distance of about 3.29 million kilometers (2 million miles). Although these objects pass at considerable distances, their frequency highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and preparedness.
As we continue to explore and understand our solar system, events like the flyby of 2025 MA90 remind us of the dynamic nature of space and the importance of scientific observation and international collaboration in safeguarding our planet.
Date: 15th Jul, 2025
