• NASA is tracking two asteroids approaching Earth on January 16 and 17, 2025.
• Both asteroids, 2025 AO2 and 2024 YF2, pose no threat, passing safely at great distances.
• Asteroid 2022 CE2 is also noted for its flyby, which occurs approximately 2.64 million miles from Earth.
• NASA emphasizes the importance of monitoring near-Earth objects (NEOs) for planetary defense.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has announced that two asteroids, 2025 AO2 and 2024 YF2, will make close approaches to Earth on January 16 and 17, 2025, respectively. Despite their proximity, NASA has assured the public that there is no cause for alarm, as the asteroids will be passing at safe distances that pose no threat to our planet. The first asteroid, 2025 AO2, measures approximately 59 feet in diameter and will be traveling at a speed of 37,043 km/h. It is expected to have its closest encounter at 12:17 PM IST, passing around 781,000 kilometers from Earth—about twice the distance to the Moon. In contrast, the second asteroid, 2024 YF2, which is slightly smaller at 53 feet, will approach at a speed of 15,941 km/h, passing by Earth at a distance of 1.69 million kilometers at 7:20 AM IST.

On the same topic, asteroid 2022 CE2 is also under observation, approaching on the same day, January 16, 2025, at a distance of approximately 2,640,000 miles, or more than 16 times the distance from Earth to the Moon. This 370-foot-wide space rock is traveling at a speed of 29,653 miles per hour and poses absolutely no danger during its flyby at 8:29 PM IST today. NASA emphasizes that these asteroids do not classify as potentially hazardous due to their size and approach distances.

The rationale behind NASA's vigilant monitoring of near-Earth objects (NEOs) is grounded in planetary safety protocol. These ancient remnants of our solar system, formed around 4.6 billion years ago, occasionally intersect Earth's orbit, rendering their tracking vital for future impact assessments. NASA employs advanced tracking systems to observe and study these objects. With missions such as OSIRIS-REx contributing to our understanding of asteroids, the agency is well-equipped to monitor any potential risks to Earth effectively.

Furthermore, the necessity for planetary defense initiatives cannot be understated. The Planetary Defense Coordination Office plays a pivotal role in identifying threats and formulating strategies to mitigate possible risks presented by NEOs. Although there currently are no known asteroids on a collision course with Earth, continuous monitoring is essential to ensure safety and preparedness. Through collaborative efforts among global space agencies, NASA remains dedicated to enhancing our understanding and tracking of potentially hazardous asteroids.

For further details on these upcoming asteroid flybys, visit the full articles from India Times regarding NASA's monitoring activities.