110-Foot Asteroid 2025 OL1, Size of Passenger Plane, to Safely Fly Past Earth on July 30
Asteroid 2025 OL1, the size of a plane, will safely pass Earth on July 30 at 1.29 million km. NASA and ISRO confirm there's no danger but continue monitoring.
Illustration of asteroid 2025 OL1 flying past Earth on July 30, 2025.
A large asteroid nearly the size of a passenger aircraft is set to make a close approach to Earth on July 30, NASA has confirmed. Named 2025 OL1, the space rock measures approximately 110 feet (33 meters) wide and will zoom past our planet at a speed of 27,200 km/h, coming within 1.29 million kilometres of Earth.
No Threat, But Still Worth Watching
Although the distance may sound vast, in astronomical terms, this is considered a close flyby. However, NASA reassures that asteroid 2025 OL1 poses no threat to Earth. It does not meet the criteria to be labeled as a potentially hazardous object, which requires both a minimum size of 85 metres and an approach distance within 7.4 million kilometres.
Despite the low risk, experts continue to monitor such asteroids closely. Even minor changes in trajectory caused by gravitational interactions or collisions in space can alter an asteroid’s future path toward Earth.
ISRO’s Growing Focus on Planetary Defense
India's space agency, ISRO, is also keeping an eye on near-Earth objects. Chairman S. Somanath has emphasized the importance of planetary protection and has expressed interest in collaborating with global space agencies like NASA, ESA, and JAXA.
ISRO is exploring plans to launch asteroid exploration missions, including potential landings, to study their structure and movement. These efforts aim to improve early detection and develop methods to divert or destroy dangerous objects, if necessary.
Why This Flyby Matters
While asteroid 2025 OL1’s visit is harmless, it serves as a timely reminder of our planet’s vulnerability to space threats. Continued international collaboration and technological advancement are crucial for planetary safety.
