On May 9, 2025, a stadium-sized asteroid will make a close pass by Earth. This close flyby of asteroid 2002 JX8 has been meticulously tracked by scientists, and although it poses no threat to Earth, its trajectory will bring it within a safe distance.
The Virtual Telescope Project will stream this incredible event live, so you can watch the asteroid glide past our planet. The original study of the asteroid’s trajectory was shared by NASA, and more information can be found in the mission details on their website.
What Is Asteroid 2002 JX8?
Asteroid 2002 JX8 is a potentially hazardous asteroid classified as such due to its size and proximity to Earth. With an estimated diameter of 950 feet (290 meters), it is roughly the size of a stadium.
These types of asteroids are closely monitored by space agencies, but there is no immediate risk of collision with our planet. The Virtual Telescope Project has provided essential observations, capturing high-quality images of the asteroid as it moves closer to Earth.
The asteroid will make its closest approach at 4.2 million kilometers (2.6 million miles), which is 10.9 times the average lunar distance—a perfectly safe distance. The close flyby will occur on May 9, 2025, and the public can observe the asteroid from the comfort of their own home by watching the live stream on the Virtual Telescope Project’s YouTube channel.
Why Is Asteroid 2002 JX8 Considered Potentially Hazardous?
Asteroids like 2002 JX8 are classified as potentially hazardous based on several criteria. These include their size (over 140 meters in diameter) and their ability to make a close approach to Earth—within 0.05 astronomical units (approximately 4.6 million miles). While such asteroids could theoretically pose a risk, it is important to note that 2002 JX8 will not come close enough to cause any harm. NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) continues to monitor these objects to ensure that Earth remains safe.
NASA’s extensive monitoring of near-Earth objects (NEOs) helps prevent surprises. There are roughly 4,700 PHAs that are tracked in our solar system, but scientists assert that it is extremely unlikely that any of them will impact Earth in the foreseeable future. For comparison, an asteroid around 500 feet (140 meters) in diameter impacts Earth only once every 20,000 years, and a larger asteroid of around 3,000 feet (1,000 meters) strikes once every 700,000 years.
The Significance of Watching the Flyby
The asteroid’s unique movement across the night sky will be visible through the Virtual Telescope Project’s livestream, which has been tracking the asteroid’s path for weeks. The stream will show live footage of the asteroid.
During the event, viewers will also be able to see Vesta, another asteroid in our solar system that reached opposition on May 2 and remains relatively bright. The combination of these two will make for an exciting and rare viewing experience.
A Look at NASA’s Asteroid Research
The Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission conducted by NASA has allowed scientists to observe and catalog thousands of asteroids, including 2002 JX8. This mission helps scientists assess the potential risk posed by near-Earth objects and develop strategies for planetary defense.
NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) is tasked with identifying any objects that could potentially pose a threat to Earth, and its efforts are helping to build a more accurate picture of the solar system’s dynamics.
Asteroids like 2002 JX8 and Vesta also help scientists understand the early solar system and the conditions that led to the formation of planets. These primordial objects have remained largely unchanged over billions of years and hold vital clues about the origins of our solar system. By tracking and studying them, astronomers are not only protecting Earth, but also deepening our knowledge of the universe.
The Future of Asteroid Impact Monitoring and Space Exploration
The close flyby of 2002 JX8 serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring asteroid threats and continuing research into space exploration. Although the risk of a major impact in the near future is minimal, the study of near-Earth objects (NEOs) will only grow more critical as we develop new technologies to protect our planet.
NASA’s work in monitoring and tracking these objects is essential to ensuring that humanity is prepared for any potential dangers.
As space agencies around the world continue to develop strategies for planetary defense, it’s clear that the study of asteroids like 2002 JX8 is a vital part of that effort. In the meantime, the Virtual Telescope Project and other organizations are giving us the chance to witness these incredible objects in real time.
