A skyscraper-sized asteroid sped safely past Earth on May 21, 2025.
This asteroid, about 132.5 meters (434.7 feet) wide, is similar in height to the Empire State Building.
There was no collision risk associated with this asteroid during its May 21, 2025 approach.
An impact by an asteroid of this size could destroy an entire metropolitan area and cause secondary effects like fires.
The asteroid 2019 OK, about 130 meters wide, passed surprisingly close in 2019 — a reminder of the importance of surveillance.
Apophis will pass extremely close in 2029.
Near-Earth asteroids are remnants from the solar system's formation, and NASA tracks over 35,000 of them.
NASA and international partners continue to expand detection efforts for large near-Earth objects.