The small asteroid 2025 TF passed over Antarctica on October 1, 2025, at an impressive distance of only 428 kilometers from our planet, closer than many artificial satellites in orbit and even of the ISS (International Space Station) itself. A very rare event that underlines the importance of constant monitoring of celestial objects near Earth.
An asteroid the size of a refrigerator but as close as few others
The celestial body, classified as near-Earth asteroidhas extremely small dimensions: a diameter of between 1 and 3 meters — about the size of a large household appliance. It is part of the category of orbiting asteroids within 1.3 astronomical units (AU) of the Sunwhich occasionally causes them to cross Earth’s orbit.
Despite its small size, which would prevent it from causing damage in the event of impact (it would disintegrate in the atmosphere or leave only small fragments), similar events highlight the vulnerability of our planet and the strategic importance of space surveillance programs.
Discovered hours after the passage
The passage of the 2025 TF was not foreseen in advance. Scientists from the University of Bologna were the first to detect it Catalina Sky Surveya space monitoring project run by the University of Arizona. The surprising thing is that the asteroid has been detected just a few hours after flying past Earth.
In response, theESA (European Space Agency) he quickly activated his own Planetary Defense Officeobtaining crucial observations from the telescope of Las Cumbres Observatory located at Siding Spring, Australia. Being able to locate an object of just a few meters, with initially uncertain orbital coordinates, represented a real scientific challenge. However, experts have managed to accurately calculate the trajectory and time of flyby.
The captured images show a black dot — the asteroid — at the center of a red lattice on a gray, grainy background: a modest but highly significant sight for those involved in planetary defense.
The invisible threat
Although such small asteroids pose no real threat, surveillance of these objects is essential. Some near-Earth asteroids can reach sizes of kilometres and have potential effects catastrophic on a regional or global scalelike the one that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.
The passage of the 2025 TF, went unnoticed by most of the world’s populationis a clear reminder of the importance of science and international collaboration for prevent cosmic surprises. Our solar system is dynamic, unpredictable and active: only thanks to networks of telescopes and specialized programs can we hope to identify potential risks in real time.
