A near-Earth object that is being talked about a lot these days, 2025 FA22, will perform a safe flyby of our neighborhood. It's an asteroid the size of a skyscraper, whose approach has triggered a wide deployment of scientific observation, live broadcasts and considerable excitement among fans.
Space agencies have clarified that the event does not pose a danger. Although it initially appeared in the ESA Risk List due to a remote possibility of future impact, new high-priority measurements refined their orbit and dismissed any threat, removing it from that registry in May.
What is known about 2025 FA22
Discovered earlier this year with the telescope Pan-STARRS 2 In Hawaii, 2025 FA22 has an estimated size between 130 and 290 meters, enough to cause serious local damage if it were to impact, something that will not happen at this stage.
The closest approach is planned for the September 18 at 07:41 UTC (09:41 in mainland Spain), when it will be located at about 835.000 kilometers of the Earth, just over double the distance to the Moon.
During the flyby, the space rock will travel at about 38.600 km/h. By apparent brightness, it could reach a magnitude around 13, making it detectable with good diameter amateur telescopes and dark skies.
Although it was classified as “potentially dangerous"Due to its size and relative proximity, this term is technical and does not imply immediate risk in this encounter, only priority surveillance within the NEOs (near-Earth objects).
When and how to observe it
El Virtual Telescope Project will offer a free broadcast with a telescope located in Manciano (Italy)The broadcast is scheduled for the early hours of September 18, around 03: 00 UTC, ideal for following the approach if clouds or light pollution prevent you from observing it from your location.
If you have the equipment, look for dark skies and low turbulence. With approximate magnitude 13, a well-collimated amateur telescope and some astronomical binoculars high quality cameras could detect it, especially near the time of closest approach.
In Spain, the closest time (09:41 CEST) does not guarantee visibility with the naked eye, but with planning, updated celestial charts and suitable conditions, amateur monitoring it is feasible.
For those who just want to enjoy the event without any complications, the live broadcast will provide images and data real-time flyover from Europe.
Why is it considered “potentially dangerous”?
In planetary defense, the label is used “potentially dangerous” for objects that, due to their size (around 140–150 m or more) and orbital proximity, deserve special monitoring. 2025 FA22 fits in due to its diameter and distance by the way, not because there is any threat in this approach.
At first he was assigned a very low probability impact in 2089 (of the order of 0,01%), which led it to briefly appear at the top of the ESA Risk ListWith further observations, the trajectory became better defined and the object was removed from the list May.
The case illustrates how, with short observation arcs, initial uncertainties can be large. By adding precise measurements, the orbit is refines quickly and risk scenarios that initially seemed possible are ruled out.
In this step, the minimum distance of 835.000 km It ensures a consequence-free encounter, but is extremely useful for testing our detection and tracking capabilities.
Science takes advantage of the approach
The international community has organized a coordinated campaign to study 2025 FA22. The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) conducts an operational simulation that includes emergency protocols and evaluation of diversion strategies, using this overflight as test scenario.
From the United States, the radar Goldstone NASA's radar will help pinpoint the size, shape, and potential surface features. These radar observations, combined with optical data, provide detailed models of the object.
Among the techniques used, the astrometry measures position and movement to “pin” the orbit, while the polarimetry It analyzes how reflected light is polarized, revealing surface properties such as texture, composition, and albedo.
ESA actively participates in the working groups and coordinates the exchange of information. The observation campaign, which spans several weeks, aims to strengthen the planetary defense and improve future response to large objects passing relatively close.
With a safe flyby, live data, and unusual scientific mobilization, 2025 FA22 provides a perfect opportunity to better understand these cosmic visitors: controlled distance, clear schedules and multiple ways to follow it, from the screen to the amateur telescope.
