In a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system, NASA recently monitored a plane-sized asteroid as it made a close but harmless pass by our planet. On December 9, 2025, asteroid 2025 XM zipped past Earth at a distance of about 295,000 miles – roughly 1.2 times the average distance to the Moon – posing no threat to humanity but offering scientists a valuable opportunity to study near-Earth objects (NEOs).
Details of the Asteroid and Its Flyby
Asteroid 2025 XM, estimated to be around 25 meters (82 feet) in diameter – comparable to the size of a commercial airplane – was traveling at an impressive speed of approximately 9,753 miles per hour (15,700 kilometers per hour). This speed is typical for NEOs, which are remnants from the solar system’s formation billions of years ago and often follow elliptical orbits that bring them periodically close to Earth.
The asteroid’s closest approach occurred without incident, well outside the threshold for classification as a potentially hazardous object (PHO). According to NASA’s criteria, a PHO must be larger than about 460 feet (140 meters) in diameter and come within 4.6 million miles (0.05 astronomical units) of Earth. 2025 XM falls short on both counts, ensuring it posed no risk of impact or atmospheric disruption. Simulations indicate that this asteroid follows a 2-3 year orbital cycle and may return for future close approaches in the coming decades, allowing for ongoing observation and refinement of its trajectory using advanced AI-driven predictions, which now achieve up to 99% accuracy.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, played a key role in tracking 2025 XM through its Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). Using ground-based telescopes and radar systems, astronomers detected the asteroid recently and calculated its path with high precision. This event is part of a broader wave of NEO activity in December 2025, with other small asteroids like 2019 XN3 (15 meters) and 1999 SF10 (43 meters) also making close passes around the same time. For more details, see recent coverage from Local 12 News.
The Broader Context: Monitoring NEOs for Planetary Defense
Events like the flyby of 2025 XM underscore the importance of NASA’s planetary defense efforts. The agency, along with international partners such as the European Space Agency (ESA) and others, continuously scans the skies for potential threats. Over 30,000 NEOs have been cataloged to date, with monthly updates providing the latest data on close approaches and impact risks.
While most NEOs are benign, history shows the potential for disruption – such as the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor, which was about 66 feet across and caused injuries and damage upon atmospheric entry. Larger asteroids could have more severe consequences, which is why missions like NASA’s DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) in 2022 demonstrated techniques for deflecting hazardous objects if needed.
In 2025 alone, several other asteroids have made headlines for their close approaches, including 2025 OW (210 feet, July), 2025 FA22 (September), and others, all safely monitored without incident. These events highlight advancements in detection technology and the collaborative global effort to safeguard Earth. Recent December flybys include airplane-sized asteroids like 2025 WD5 and 2025 WF10 on December 6, as reported by The Daily Guardian.
No Cause for Alarm, But a Call for Vigilance
The safe passage of 2025 XM is a testament to the effectiveness of modern astronomy and serves as a fascinating glimpse into the cosmos. As we continue to explore space, such encounters remind us of our place in a vast, active universe. NASA encourages the public to stay informed through official channels and reports that no known asteroids pose an imminent threat in the foreseeable future.
For those interested in tracking NEOs themselves, NASA’s Asteroid Watch dashboard provides real-time updates on upcoming approaches, sizes, and distances.
