Asteroid 2025 AL2 will pass by Earth on August 17 at 01:04 Astana time. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The size of the space rock, according to astronomers, ranges from 70 to 160 meters, and the minimum distance to Earth will be about 2.19 lunar distances (approximately 840,000 km).
The European Space Agency (ESA) assured that there is no threat of collision with the planet.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that on August 10, a potentially hazardous asteroid 2019 NY2 with a diameter of 330 meters flew past Earth.
What is known about asteroid 2025 AL2?
Asteroid 2025 AL2 is a near-Earth object whose orbit lies in the inner part of the solar system. Its size is estimated at 70-160 meters, making it a significant object for observation.
The distance at which the asteroid will pass from Earth is about 840,000 km, which is approximately 2.19 times the average distance to the Moon (384,400 km). This distance is considered safe by astronomical standards.
ESA specialists' opinion
ESA representatives stated that they are carefully tracking the asteroid's trajectory and it poses no threat. According to them, such close approaches occur several times a year and are a valuable opportunity for scientific research.
Previous case: 2019 NY2
On August 10, another large asteroid, 2019 NY2, flew past Earth. Its diameter was 330 meters, classifying it as a potentially hazardous object. However, it also posed no threat to the planet.
Importance of asteroid monitoring
Scientists constantly monitor near-Earth objects, as some of them may pose a threat to the planet in the future. ESA and other space agencies run special programs to detect such objects and calculate their trajectories.
Conclusion
The close approach of asteroid 2025 AL2 to Earth is another reminder that space around our planet is actively alive. However, this time there is no threat, and for astronomers it is an opportunity to obtain new data.