On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Earth will experience a close encounter with asteroid 2014 TN17. According to NASA, this celestial body measures about 165 meters in diameter—roughly the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Though classified as a potentially hazardous object, it poses no risk of colliding with our planet.

A Historic Flyby After 300 Years

This pass will mark the asteroid’s closest approach to Earth in three centuries. At its nearest, 2014 TN17 will still be 5.1 million kilometers away—about 13 times the distance to the Moon. This vast gap means it won’t be visible through amateur telescopes.

Why Is 2014 TN17 Potentially Hazardous?

NASA deems it “potentially hazardous” based on two criteria:

  • Its diameter exceeds 140 meters.
  • It comes within 7.5 million kilometers of Earth.

Despite meeting these thresholds, precise orbital calculations confirm 2014 TN17’s path steers clear of any collision risk.

Looking Ahead: Apophis in 2029

The next big astronomical event will feature asteroid Apophis, a 340-meter giant. In 2029, it will skim just 31,000 kilometers from Earth—far closer than 2014 TN17—but still safely distant.

Such flybys underscore the need for ongoing monitoring of near-Earth objects and the development of planetary defense strategies for future threats.