Jeddah Astronomy: Asteroid 2025 KX3 approaches Earth
Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — Scientists and space enthusiasts are preparing to monitor the passage of the small asteroid 2025 KX3 near planet Earth. Although it will pass at a safe distance, this event is being closely monitored by global monitoring centers.
Eng. Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, stated that the asteroid 2025 KX3, which was observed in May, is classified as a near-Earth object, and its diameter is estimated to be only about 10 meters, which makes it relatively small compared to larger asteroids that are not a cause for concern.
He explained that according to data from NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, the asteroid will pass at a distance of 340,000 kilometers, or approximately 90% of the distance between the Earth and the Moon, which is a relatively close distance, and will move at a speed of up to 45,000 kilometers per hour, which is within the usual range for near-Earth objects that pass at relatively close distances.
Abu Zahra noted that the asteroid is expected to reach its closest point to Earth at 12:15 p.m. Makkah time, considering that monitoring such events is of great importance to scientists, as every approach of this type represents a golden opportunity to study the movement of asteroids, the characteristics of their orbits, and their physical composition.
The Jeddah Astronomical Society is a specialized astronomy and space association that addresses all segments of society. It aims to spread astronomical scientific awareness among members of society, monitor various astronomical phenomena, issue a newsletter on various astronomical events, and translate astronomical references from various sources and present them in simplified scientific language.
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