UnsplashA skyscraper-size asteroid named 2025 FA22 will make a close approach to Earth this week, and you can watch it happen live online.
The asteroid, measuring between 427 and 951 feet across, will pass by in the early hours of Thursday, September 18. It is set to come within 520,000 miles of Earth, about twice the distance of the moon, while traveling at around 24,000 mph.
Discovered in March by the Pan-STARRS 2 telescope in Hawaii, 2025 FA22 briefly raised concerns when early calculations suggested a slim chance of impact in 2089. It was even added to the European Space Agency’s Risk List, which tracks near-Earth objects with the potential to hit the planet. Updated observations have since ruled out any threat, and the asteroid was removed from the list in May.
How to watch the asteroid
The Virtual Telescope Project will broadcast the flyby using its telescope in Manciano, Italy. The free livestream begins Wednesday, September 17, at around 11 p.m. EDT.
For those with stargazing gear, the asteroid may also be visible. At its peak, it could reach an apparent magnitude of 13, making it just bright enough for a solid backyard telescope or binoculars. Tools like TheSkyLive.com can help track its position in the night sky.
NASA’s Goldstone radar telescope in California and other observatories worldwide will also monitor the asteroid closely, gathering more details about its size and shape.