NASA is preparing for an impressive cosmic event, as asteroid 2014 TN17, a celestial giant about the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza, prepares to make its closest approach to Earth in over a century. On March 26, 2025, this behemoth, measuring around 165 meters (540 feet) across, will zoom past our planet at an astonishing speed of over 77,000 kilometers per hour (48,000 mph), safely passing at a distance of approximately 5.1 million kilometers (3.2 million miles).
The asteroid, discovered in 2014, is classified by NASA as a "potentially hazardous asteroid" (PHA) due to its sizable dimensions and its path, which crosses Earth's orbit. Fortunately, astronomers assure that there is no risk of a collision during this approach, a fact confirmed by extensive observations from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Scheduled to pass near Earth at around 7:30 AM ET (5:04 PM IST), this approach marks the closest TN17 has been to our planet in nearly 300 years, according to JPL simulations. The monitoring of such celestial bodies is crucial as even minor gravitational perturbations or cosmic interactions could influence their trajectories in the future.
NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) continuously monitors the trajectories of numerous asteroids, with an estimated 2,500 currently classified as potentially hazardous. While 2014 TN17 does not pose an immediate threat, researchers remain vigilant, focusing on the field and tracking advancements in tracking technologies to better identify future threats.
During its close flyby, TN17 will not be visible to the naked eye or through small telescopes. However, it will be closely observed using NASA's Goldstone Solar System Radar (GSSR) system, which is based in California. This powerful radar will enable scientists to gather valuable data about the asteroid’s orbit, speed, and unique shape.
When discussing the potential consequences of an asteroid impact, experts emphasize the severe risks. If TN17 were ever to collide with Earth, the consequences could be catastrophic. The explosion would release energy equivalent to hundreds of nuclear bombs, potentially wiping out a large city and resulting in devastating fires and climate impacts similar to the famous Tunguska event in 1908, which obliterated roughly 2,000 square kilometers of Siberian forest.
Given such potential devastation, NASA's relentless efforts to track and study asteroids are of great importance. The agency has developed systems to prepare for possible impacts, including the recent successful test of the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, which aimed to alter an asteroid's trajectory using a spacecraft impact. Learning from these close encounters contributes to future planetary defense strategies.
With TN17 set for a swift pass by Earth, scientists are excited about this rare opportunity to study the asteroid closely. Observations from the Goldstone facility could reveal fascinating details about its composition and surface characteristics that would otherwise remain hidden.
This flyby of 2014 TN17 serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system and the importance of continually monitoring and understanding the vast array of objects that inhabit it. With collaborations among space agencies worldwide intensifying, the hope remains that early warning systems for potential threats can become increasingly robust.
