NASA warns! 120-foot asteroid 2025 KX8 to make close approach to Earth on June 4.

Looking up at the sky can stir awe and sometimes, that awe is warranted. A small asteroid is making a close approach to Earth, drawing the attention of astronomers worldwide.

Scientists are closely monitoring its trajectory for any potential changes that could alter its path.

This near-Earth object highlights the ever-changing nature of our solar system and reinforces the need for constant vigilance. Events like these serve as a powerful reminder of why continued observation and research are vital. With space full of unpredictable objects, understanding and tracking them is key to preparing for possible future threats. Read below more about the asteroid's closest approach on June 4, its size and other key details.

Why scientists monitor near-Earth asteroids like 2025 KX8

Asteroid 2025 KX8 is classified under the Aten group, a group of near-Earth objects (NEOS) whose orbits take them through Earth's path. It is an important category of asteroid to track because their potential for orbital change in the future will enhance chances of collisions in the long run.

Though models of trajectory at present indicate no danger of impact, scientists keep a watchful eye out. NASA defines objects as 'potentially hazardous' only if they are at least 150 meters in diameter and come within 7.4 million kilometers of Earth.

Asteroid 2025 KX8 falls short on both counts, so it's safe according to present criteria-but still noteworthy from a scientific perspective.

Small asteroids such as KX8, no matter how small they may be, would have the potential to inflict localized destruction should they ever enter Earth's atmosphere at some high velocity. Additionally, even a small change in its path resulting from gravitational perturbations or solar radiation would eventually alter its trajectory.

That is why ongoing monitoring is important.

ISRO prepares for future asteroid threats with global collaboration

While KX8 poses no threat, space agencies worldwide are getting ready for more ominous situations. India's space agency, ISRO, is already gearing up for 2029, when a far larger as Apophis is scheduled to make a very close pa by Earth.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has highlighted the need for planetary defense. He has publicly indicated the threat posed by near-Earth objects and called for global collaboration.

ISRO is considering collaboration with NASA, ESA, and JAXA to increase its surveillance capabilities. The agency is also working on future asteroid landing missions, whose goal would be to use as test sites for technologies that, in the future, might be employed to deflect or disrupt dangerous asteroids. These missions are part of a larger plan to minimize the potential effect of spaceborne threats.