Live Stream: Watch Skyscraper-Sized Asteroid Pass Earth

In an exciting astronomical event, a skyscraper-sized asteroid known as 2025 FA22 is approaching Earth this week, providing a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to witness its journey live online.

This massive asteroid, ranging from 427 to 951 feet in diameter, is expected to make its closest approach on Thursday, September 18. It will glide by at a distance of approximately 520, 000 miles — nearly double the moon’s distance — while hurtling through space at a speed of about 24, 000 mph.

First identified in March by the Pan-STARRS 2 telescope in Hawaii, 2025 FA22 initially caused a stir due to early estimates that indicated a slim chance of collision with Earth in 2089. This led to its inclusion on the European Space Agency’s Risk List, which monitors potentially hazardous near-Earth objects. However, subsequent observations have alleviated those concerns, resulting in the asteroid’s removal from the list in May of this year.

Viewing the Asteroid

The Virtual Telescope Project will stream the asteroid’s flyby using its advanced telescope located in Manciano, Italy. The live broadcast is scheduled to kick off on Wednesday, September 17, starting at approximately 11 p.m. EDT.

For avid stargazers equipped with telescopes or binoculars, there is a chance to see the asteroid in person. With an expected apparent magnitude of 13 at its brightest, 2025 FA22 will be visible to those using quality backyard equipment. Resources like TheSkyLive.com can assist in tracking the asteroid’s trajectory as it traverses the night sky.

Additionally, NASA’s Goldstone radar telescope in California, along with various observatories across the globe, will be closely monitoring the asteroid, gathering valuable data regarding its dimensions and shape.

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