"While a miss this close might sound alarming, the European Space Agency (ESA) claims there was never any serious danger. Based on its estimated size, 2025 TF would have most likely burned up or exploded in the atmosphere rather than slamming into the surface. ESA said in a statement: 'Objects of this size pose no significant danger. 'They can produce fireballs if they strike Earth's atmosphere, and may result in the discovery of small meteorites on the ground.'"
"This allowed for a more accurate estimate of the object's size and worked out that it had reached its closest point to Earth at exactly 01:47:26 BST. ESA says: 'Tracking down a metre-scale object in the vast darkness of space at a time when its location is still uncertain is an impressive feat. 'This observation helped astronomers determine the close approach distance and time given above to such high precision.'"
An estimated 9.8-foot (three-metre) asteroid, 2025 TF, flew over Antarctica in the early hours of October 1, passing at about 265 miles (428 kilometres) altitude—closer than the International Space Station. Observatories detected the near-miss only hours later via the Catalina Sky Survey. The European Space Agency said objects this size pose no significant danger and would most likely burn up or explode in the atmosphere rather than reach the surface. Follow-up observations with the Las Cumbres Observatory refined size and timing, establishing the closest approach at 01:47:26 BST. The rock could have endangered spacecraft, but none were in its path. NASA logged an entry for 2025 TF despite public communications being paused.
Read at Mail Online
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