Asteroid 2003 MH4, travelling over 30,000 km/h, will zoom past Earth on May 24; NASA classifies it as ‘Potentially Hazardous’ due to its size and proximity.
Published: May 23, 2025 | A massive asteroid roughly the size of the Eiffel Tower is set to make a close flyby of Earth this weekend. According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), asteroid 387746 (2003 MH4) — measuring about 335 metres wide — will pass by Earth on Saturday, May 24, at 4:07 PM IST.
The space rock, part of the Apollo group of asteroids, is currently barreling through space at a speed of 30,060 km/h. It will come within 6.68 million kilometres of Earth — a safe distance in astronomical terms, but close enough for it to be tagged a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA).
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What Makes It ‘Hazardous’?
NASA defines PHAs as objects larger than 140 metres that pass within 7.5 million km of Earth. Though there’s no threat of collision, the asteroid’s trajectory earns it careful observation.
“This weekend’s sighting is a warning, not a threat,” said NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS).
Why This Matters
The asteroid is classified as a Near-Earth Object (NEO). NASA and other agencies monitor thousands of such objects using a global network of telescopes and tracking systems. Constant observation helps scientists assess potential risks and prepare for future planetary defense strategies.
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NASA asteroid warning, Eiffel Tower asteroid, 2003 MH4 close approach, Potentially Hazardous Asteroid, asteroid flyby May 2025, near-Earth object tracking, NASA JPL asteroid news