A large asteroid roughly the size of a multi-storey building is set to pass close to Earth tomorrow, July 17. Named Asteroid 2022 YS5, it will speed by at an impressive 22,500 km/h. However, both NASA and ISRO have confirmed that it poses no danger to our planet.

How big is Asteroid 2022 YS5?

According to NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), 2022 YS5 measures about 120 feet (36.5 meters) in diameter—roughly the height of a 10-storey building. Despite its size, it doesn’t meet the criteria to be labeled “potentially hazardous.”

Figure 1. Asteroid The Size of A 10.

How close will it come?

The asteroid is expected to pass Earth at a distance of around 4.15 million kilometers (about 2.58 million miles). Though this may sound like a vast distance, it’s considered relatively close in astronomical terms, especially given its high speed. Figure 1shows Asteroid the Size of A 10.

Why it isn’t a threat

NASA classifies an asteroid as “potentially hazardous” only if it’s larger than 85 meters in diameter and comes within 7.4 million kilometers of Earth. Asteroid 2022 YS5 falls below this size threshold.

A mock drill for Apophis 2029Reports indicates that ISRO will use the close pass of 2022 YS5 as an opportunity to refine its monitoring capabilities ahead of the much closer approach of asteroid Apophis in 2029 [1]. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has highlighted the importance of early detection, advanced observation techniques, and possible deflection strategies. Collaborative projects with NASA, ESA, and JAXA are already in progress, aiming to develop missions that could land on asteroids, study them closely, and test methods to alter their trajectories if necessary.

While 2022 YS5 itself poses no risk, experts warn that even smaller asteroids can have their paths changed over time due to factors like gravitational interactions or solar radiation. This is why continuous monitoring of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) remains vital to identify potential threats early and prepare appropriate responses.

Reference:

1. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/nasa-alert-10-storey-tall-asteroid-to-fly-past-earth-tomorrow-at-22500-km/h-size-distance-more/articleshow/122563345.cms

Cite this article:

Keerthana S (2025), NASA Alert: 10-Storey-Tall Asteroid to Speed Past Earth at 22,500 Km/H Tomorrow — Why 2022 YS5 Will Be Watched Closely but Isn’t Deemed Hazardous, AnaTechMaz, pp.477