• Asteroid 2002 JX8, estimated to be 950 feet (290 meters) in diameter, safely passed Earth on May 9, 2025, at a distance of 4.2 million kilometers.
• The Virtual Telescope Project provided a live online broadcast of the asteroid's flyby, allowing public viewing.
• Although classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid, 2002 JX8 posed no risk of impact to Earth during this close approach.

On May 9, 2025, asteroid 2002 JX8, a large space rock comparable in size to a football stadium, made a close approach to Earth. The asteroid, classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA) due to its size and proximity threshold, passed by at a distance of approximately 4.2 million kilometers (2.6 million miles), about 10.9 times the average lunar distance. The event was observed and broadcast live by the Virtual Telescope Project, providing an opportunity for public engagement with astronomy and planetary defense efforts. Despite its 'potentially hazardous' classification, the asteroid posed no actual threat to Earth during this flyby.

• What: Asteroid 2002 JX8, a stadium-sized object, made a close approach to Earth, allowing for observation and study.
• Who: The Virtual Telescope Project led the live observation. NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) tracks and characterizes near-Earth objects.
• When: The closest approach occurred on May 9, 2025, with live viewing available on May 8, 2025.
• Where: The asteroid was observed from Earth using telescopes. The Virtual Telescope Project provided online access.

The flyby of asteroid 2002 JX8 highlights both the potential risks and the ongoing efforts to monitor near-Earth objects. While this particular asteroid posed no immediate threat, its classification as 'potentially hazardous' underscores the importance of continued vigilance and investment in planetary defense programs. The Virtual Telescope Project's live broadcast demonstrates the value of public outreach in astronomy, engaging the public and fostering greater understanding of space science. The event also serves as a reminder of the frequency with which such objects approach our planet, emphasizing the need for accurate tracking and characterization to ensure future safety.

"We did follow-up observations of the Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (612356) 2002 JX8, slowly approaching our planet: on 9 May 2025, it will safely come as close as 4.2 millions of km [(2.6 million miles)] from us, 10.9 times the average lunar distance,"

Asteroid 2002 JX8's safe passage by Earth on May 9, 2025, served as a valuable opportunity for observation and public engagement. While classified as potentially hazardous due to its size and proximity threshold, it posed no threat. The event underscores the ongoing need for planetary defense efforts, including the tracking and characterization of near-Earth objects. As technology advances, our ability to monitor and potentially mitigate the risks posed by asteroids will continue to improve, ensuring the safety of our planet.