A massive asteroid named 2025 JR is drawing global attention as it speeds toward Earth for a close encounter. Roughly the size of a 25-storey building, the space rock is set to make its nearest approach on Wednesday, May 28. While it will safely bypass Earth at a distance of 4.6 million kilometers, that proximity is considered unusually close in astronomical terms. The asteroid’s size and speed—combined with its Earth-crossing orbit—have sparked interest among scientists, space agencies, and skywatchers alike. Though there is no risk of collision, the flyby serves as a vivid reminder of how close—and unpredictable—near-Earth objects can be, reinforcing the need for continued monitoring and space preparedness.

Asteroid 2025 JR is moving towards Earth on May 28

On 28 May 2025, Asteroid 2025 JR is set to pass by Earth at 8:40 am IST, which is about 250 feet (76 meters) across, a respectable size in space. It’s an Apollo-class near-Earth object (NEO)—a class marked by asteroids that have orbits that intersect with Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Being of this kind of orbital feature, these asteroids are kept under close watch for how much danger they could pose.The asteroid travels at a staggering 40,800 km/h, a speed that, were it orbiting the Earth, would finish the journey in under an hour. While 2025 JR is not deemed a “potentially hazardous asteroid” because it is below the threshold diameter of 460 feet (140 meters), it is large enough that if it were to strike the Earth, the destruction would be devastating.

Asteroid 2025 JR: Date, time, speed and other details

Asteroid 2025 JR potential risk

Should asteroid 2025 JR impact Earth, the destruction would be horrific. Moving at incredible velocity, the impact energy would be equivalent to a few nuclear bombs detonating in unison. This would destroy much, trigger huge explosions, and potentially result in large-scale loss of life.One traditional historical analogy most often provided is the 1908 Tunguska asteroid or comet explosion in Siberia, where an asteroid or comet with a diameter of approximately 160–200 feet exploded in the air. The explosion flattened approximately 2,000 square kilometres of trees—a wider area than the city of Delhi—showing the destructive energy released by comparatively small space bodies.

How scientists track near-Earth objects

Asteroid tracking 2025 JR is a complicated process which engages the whole world. NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies coordinates the activity by collecting data from a variety of telescopes and radar stations across the globe. Amateur astronomers also participate by searching the sky for unidentified objects. This network assists researchers in forecasting near-approach and possible impact events more accurately. But despite all these developments, there are still numerous space rocks that are unknown, posing challenges to planetary defence constantly.Also Read | Watch | NASA astronaut captures rare Northern Lights aurora display over North America from the International Space Station