An asteroid about the size of a commercial airplane is set to pass Earth on July 28, according to data from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The object, named 2025 OW, is estimated to be 210 feet (64 meters) wide and will travel past Earth at a speed of about 46,900 mph (75,500 km/h). Despite its size and speed, NASA scientists confirm there is no threat to our planet. The asteroid will pass at a safe distance of around 393,000 miles (632,000 km), which is about 1.6 times farther than the Moon.

What is 2025 OW?

Asteroid 2025 OW is part of a group of near-Earth objects (NEOs) tracked by NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). While the asteroid is relatively large, it is well below the danger limit set for potentially hazardous asteroids. “This is very routine,” said Ian J. O’Neill, a media relations specialist at NASA-JPL. “If there were a threat, the public would be informed right away through NASA’s planetary defense network.”

Why It’s Not Dangerous

– Distance: 2025 OW will not come closer than 393,000 miles – Size: It is smaller than the 460-foot limit NASA uses to categorize hazardous asteroids – Predictable Orbit: NASA has tracked this object’s path very accurately – No Collision Risk: Scientists confirm there is no chance of impact Astronomer Davide Farnocchia commented, “Close approaches like this one happen often. They give us great chances to learn more about our solar system, but they’re nothing to worry about.”

Can You See It?

Unfortunately, no. Despite its size, 2025 OW is too far away and too small to be seen with the naked eye or even regular binoculars. Only professional-grade telescopes will be able to track it as it passes. However, skywatchers can look forward to meteor showers in the coming days, such as the Southern Delta Aquariids, which can produce up to 25 shooting stars per hour.