On Oct. 1, 2025, the small asteroid known as 2025 TF whizzed past Earth at a distance of only 266 miles (428 kilometers) from our planet — roughly the same altitude as the International Space Station.

For a few fleeting moments over Antarctica, the near-Earth asteroid came closer than most functioning satellites.

What is it?

2025 TF is a small asteroid just 3 to 6 feet (1 to 3 meters) wide. It's considered a near-Earth asteroid because, like other space rocks in this category, it comes within 1.3 AU (astronomical units) of the sun, close enough to occasionally cross paths with Earth's orbit.

Other near-Earth asteroids can be larger, even getting up to a couple of miles wide. While most of these asteroids pose little threat, understanding their trajectories is crucial for assessing pote

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