A bus-sized asteroid is currently racing toward Earth’s vicinity, catching the close attention of astronomers. While not a threat, its proximity is notable in a week filled with celestial visitors. These events have prompted increased scrutiny of near-Earth objects (NEOs). Another, much larger asteroid is also expected to pass by this week.

How Close Is “2025 VP1” Coming?

The asteroid designated 2025 VP1 measures roughly 37 feet in diameter and is expected to pass within 361,000 miles of Earth. That’s closer than the Moon, and while there is no danger of impact, its approach offers scientists a chance to monitor the behavior of smaller near-Earth objects under real conditions.

According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), VP1 is just one of several space rocks making a flyby this week. A second asteroid of comparable size, 2025 VC4, will pass at a distance of 1.24 million miles. While both are classified as non-threatening, they provide critical data for NASA’s broader planetary defense strategy. These “harmless” flybys are valuable in refining orbital models and improving our predictive capabilities over time.

Orpheus: A Much Larger Visitor

Alongside the smaller asteroids, a much more imposing object is also sweeping past Earth this week. 3361 Orpheus, discovered in 1982, is about 1,400 feet wide—roughly the size of the Empire State Building. Traveling at 20,000 miles per hour, it will pass at a relatively safe distance, but its sheer size qualifies it as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA).

PHAs are defined not by immediate risk, but by their size and orbital characteristics. Objects larger than 460 feet that come within 4.6 million miles of Earth’s orbit qualify. Orpheus fits this definition, and its trajectory is closely monitored by NASA. While there’s no chance of an impact this time, scientists continue tracking such bodies for any future course shifts caused by gravitational interactions.

What Makes These Asteroids Worth Watching?

Although none of this week’s asteroids pose a danger, their orbits offer insight into the dynamism of our solar system. Asteroids are ancient fragments left over from the early days of planetary formation, often originating from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. When their paths intersect Earth’s orbital zone, they become part of a special category: near-Earth objects.

NASA distinguishes between routine NEOs and PHAs. While most NEOs maintain safe distances, PHAs—because of their size and long-term orbital drift—demand more attention. As JPL explains, the “potentially hazardous” label doesn’t mean an impact is imminent. It highlights the necessity for sustained tracking across centuries, as gravitational influences can subtly nudge these objects onto new trajectories.

The Value Of Constant Sky Monitoring

These near misses underscore the importance of projects like NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), which aggregates data from telescopes around the globe. Constant monitoring allows for high-precision orbital modeling and the identification of new objects early in their approach.

Beyond early detection, this surveillance feeds into long-term planetary defense strategies. Missions like DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) aim to one day shift the course of threatening asteroids. This week’s asteroid activity provides useful, real-time test cases for refining such techniques.

No Immediate Risk, But A Long Game

The presence of multiple asteroids passing close to Earth in the span of a few days might sound alarming, but in the context of space, these distances are vast. Still, each pass is a reminder of Earth’s vulnerability—and the need for robust early-warning systems.

For now, NASA assures that no known object poses a collision risk in the near term. But given the high number of undiscovered asteroids, particularly smaller ones like VP1, the work of tracking them continues to be a top priority.