On September 3, 2025, asteroid 2025 QD8 made a close approach to Earth, passing within the Moon's orbit without posing any threat to the planet. The asteroid, estimated to be between 17 to 38 meters (approximately 55 to 125 feet) in diameter, is comparable in size to a commercial jetliner.
The celestial body passed Earth at a distance of approximately 218,000 kilometers (about 135,000 miles), which is roughly 57% of the average distance between the Earth and the Moon. This close flyby was first observed by the Pan-STARRS survey at Haleakalā, Hawai'i, on August 16, 2025. The Virtual Telescope Project provided a live online viewing of the event, allowing global enthusiasts to witness the cosmic passage.
While 2025 QD8 did not present a hazard, its close approach underscores the importance of ongoing near-Earth object (NEO) monitoring programs. Organizations like NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) and international counterparts continuously track and catalog these celestial bodies. As of September 1, 2025, NASA's CNEOS had cataloged over 39,000 near-Earth objects, a number that reflects advancements in observational capabilities.
The European Space Agency's Near-Earth Objects Coordination Center has noted that asteroids similar to 2025 QD8 have made comparable close approaches in the past and are expected to continue doing so, highlighting the routine nature of such celestial encounters within our solar system.