An asteroid that was about 100 feet wide, named 2025 QV9, made a close but safe flyby of Earth on Sunday, 7 September. Experts got to witness a thrilling but non-threatening celestial event. QV9, travelled at a staggering speed of 10,319 miles per hour (16,600 km/h), the asteroid passed at a distance of approximately 1.25 million miles (2 million kilometers) from our planet, which is roughly five times the distance between Earth and the Moon
Understanding Asteroid 2025 QV9
QV9 forms part of a group of near-earth objects (NEOs) called the Aten Group. This is a category of asteroids whose orbit trajectories bring them close to Earth’s path around the Sun. These asteroids are of interest to astronomers because their trajectories can merge with Earth’s orbit, making them important to monitor over time.
Its closest approach will see it come within 1,250,000 miles from Earth, which is roughly five times the distance from our planet to the Moon, according to the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The size of QV9 was roughly as big as a commercial airplane, which does not qualify as a “potentially hazardous asteroid.” For asteroids to be considered as hazardous, they must be bigger than 279 feet (85 meters) and must come within 4.6 million miles (7.4 million kilometers) of the Earth, according to NASA’s criteria. While it exceeded the size threshold, its distance from Earth meant QV9 was well outside the danger zone.
Asteroid 2025 QV9 is approximately 100 feet (30 meters) wide. It travels at an incredible speed of 10,319 miles per hour. Soon, stargazers will be able to witness the passing of 2025 QV9.
Why Asteroid 2025 QV9 captured everyone’s attention
Events like these are critical reminders of the intricate nature of our solar system. Even though QV9 posed no threat, the asteroid’s reach generated significant attention due to its size, speed, and proximity to Earth. This also means that seemingly empty skies can host fast-moving space rocks that silently pass by the Earth. Asteroid 2025 QV9’s approach shows space’s hidden surprises. A peaceful sky can turn unexpectedly active.
NASA and other space agencies, ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), tracked QV9’s trajectory closely. These agencies collaborate globally to monitor NEOs so they can refine orbital models and prepare for any future threats NEOs might bring. Even asteroids that are harmless today are closely watched by scientists and space agencies worldwide.
Why tracking near-earth objects matters now more than ever
Scientists now realize the importance of keeping track of asteroids at all times because the smallest shift in an asteroid’s orbit can modify the asteroid’s future route. Astronomers use events like these to improve prediction models. Experts say 2025 QV9 poses no danger today.
The remnants of the asteroids are like ‘time capsules’, which carry clues about the formation of planets and the distribution of materials in space.
QV9’s free passage highlights the growing international cooperation in planetary defense as the ISRO announced that they are planning to study larger asteroids, which will also include Apophis, an asteroid that will make a close approach to Earth in 2029. India also aims to collaborate with NASA, ESA, and JAXA on future missions, which could include spacecraft landings on asteroids.
The missions not only help in the defense of planets, but they also pave the way for asteroid mining, space resource utilization, and deep-space exploration. India aims to collaborate on international missions and may even send spacecraft to land on asteroids in the near future.
QV9 is a reminder of the importance of vigilance. While the asteroid wasn’t an immediate threat to us as it silently zipped past Earth, its passing reminded scientists of the immediate need for stronger monitoring systems as well as international cooperation to shield our planet in the future.