Four Asteroids Passed Close to Earth with No Risk of Collision
On May 4, 2025, NASA confirmed that four near-Earth asteroids — comparable in size to buses and houses — passed safely near our planet. Although the proximity might sound alarming, NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) emphasized that none of the objects posed any risk of impact. Here’s what we know about this event and how NASA monitors these space rocks.
Understanding the May 4 Asteroid Flyby
Asteroids frequently pass close to Earth, but the vast majority remain at safe distances. This particular flyby involved four different asteroids, all cataloged by NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS).
What Is a Near-Earth Asteroid?
A near-Earth asteroid (NEA) is any asteroid whose orbit brings it within 1.3 astronomical units (AU) of the Sun — placing it within about 30% of Earth’s orbital path. These objects are closely monitored due to their potential proximity to Earth.
The Four Asteroids That Flew By Earth
On May 4, NASA tracked the following objects:
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2024 HP: Estimated at 24 feet (7.3 meters), roughly the size of a large van
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2024 HV: Estimated at 48 feet (14.6 meters), similar to a small house
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2024 HQ1: Approximately 40 feet (12.2 meters) wide
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2024 HS: Around 33 feet (10 meters) in diameter
None of these asteroids came closer than 1.2 million miles (1.9 million kilometers) — more than five times the distance from Earth to the Moon.
NASA’s Tracking Technology
NASA uses a suite of ground-based telescopes and radar systems to track near-Earth objects. These include observatories like Pan-STARRS in Hawaii and NEOWISE, a space-based infrared telescope. Each detection helps NASA project the orbit and assess any potential impact risk well in advance.
Why This Isn’t a Cause for Alarm
Despite the dramatic headlines often seen online, such asteroid flybys are common. In fact, thousands of NEAs pass by Earth every year. NASA has cataloged over 32,000 near-Earth asteroids as of 2025, and the vast majority pose no threat.
How NASA Communicates Risks to the Public
When an object is discovered, NASA analyzes its trajectory, velocity, and size to assess whether it poses a danger. If an object is deemed potentially hazardous (PHO), it is monitored continuously. NASA uses a Torino Scale, which ranges from 0 (no hazard) to 10 (certain impact), to classify the threat level.
None of the May 4 asteroids ranked higher than Level 0 — confirming that no collision was expected.
Why Asteroid Monitoring Matters
Asteroid tracking is part of planetary defense — a global effort to protect Earth from future impacts. Although the risk of a catastrophic collision is low, continued monitoring ensures we are prepared.
Planetary Defense in Action
In 2022, NASA successfully conducted the DART mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test), intentionally crashing a spacecraft into the asteroid moonlet Dimorphos to test deflection capabilities. It was the first real-world test of an asteroid redirection strategy and marked a major milestone in planetary defense.
Public Interest and Education
Events like the May 4 flyby serve as reminders of Earth’s dynamic relationship with space. They also spark public curiosity and support for continued investment in space science.
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