Asteroid Close Call: 2025 FA22, Comet SWAN 25B, and the Incoming Wave of Celestial Surprises

Asteroid Close Call: 2025 FA22, Comet SWAN 25B, and the Incoming Wave of Celestial Surprises

Art Grindstone

Art Grindstone

September 15, 2025

Attention night sky watchers and planetary preparedness enthusiasts: September’s cosmic forecast reads like disaster cinema mixed with a science special. On the 18th, asteroid 2025 FA22 will fly by Earth at about 10.8 km/s—less than 900,000 kilometers from our surface, roughly 2.2 times the distance to the Moon. Experts say there’s no threat of impact this time. Still, this close call doesn’t inspire restful sleep, especially amid what’s turning into an “asteroid wave.”

Yet, 2025 FA22 isn’t alone in attracting attention. Recently discovered comet SWAN 25B is brightening quickly, nearing visibility to the naked eye. It shines brightly against the backdrop of numerous asteroids making unusually close approach. Add interstellar object 3I/ATLAS rushing toward its October 29, 2025, rendezvous with the inner solar system, and you get a planetary drama that captivates both space weather preppers and professional astronomers.

2025 FA22’s Close Flyby: Risk and Rarity

On September 18th, 2025 FA22 will perform a memorable drive-by, confirmed by live observation campaigns. With a diameter of about 520 feet and a speed of 10.8 km/s, it meets the criteria for a potentially hazardous near-Earth object (NEO). However, astronomers emphasize that FA22’s trajectory keeps us well outside the danger zone this orbit. (Take a breath, but maybe keep that survival gear handy—history shows close calls can have unexpected results.)

The asteroid’s passage, tracked by NASA and observatories worldwide, falls into the “no collision, but worth tracking” category. As India Today reports, objects larger than 140 meters can cause significant regional damage upon impact. As such, 2025 FA22 earns a spot on the global planetary defense watchlist. Consider this a fire drill for the solar system, reinforcing the importance of continuous near-Earth object monitoring.

A Surge of Asteroids and Comet SWAN 25B Brightening Fast

September isn’t an isolated case; astronomers report a surge in close asteroid flybys, dubbing it an “asteroid wave.” Data from sources like NASA’s NEO surveillance project indicates multiple objects, some as small as 20 meters, will pass within lunar distances over just a few days. This frequency far exceeds the monthly average, drawing attention from veteran skywatchers. They recall how even relatively small impactors can cause significant issues, as explored in this exposé on planetary electrical surges.

The real highlight may be comet SWAN 25B. Although my search yielded no direct latest updates, other recent tracking indicates it’s increasing rapidly in magnitude and visibility. This cosmic disruption reminds us that comets—similar to the ones chronicled alongside record-dissecting interstellar objects—can bring both beauty and chaos. As SWAN 25B brightens, skywatchers anticipate a rare spectacle—provided clouds, light pollution, and solar activity don’t spoil the view.

The 3I/ATLAS Wildcard: Interstellar Mystery on Approach

Then there’s 3I/ATLAS, our solar system’s third confirmed interstellar visitor. After navigating the asteroid belt, this intriguing object is nearing a close pass with the inner planets, set for perihelion on October 29, 2025. Its approach has sparked scientific debates about how cosmic visitors might reshape our understanding of solar system origins and pose potential planetary security risks. For insights into its unusual green glow and composition, view this detailed report. For existential context, contemplate the interplay between cosmic close calls and social uncertainty familiar to geopolitical crisis-watchers monitoring global risk timelines.

More than just a spectacle, 3I/ATLAS could be pivotal for understanding how interstellar debris interacts with solar forces. It may even reveal insights about potential threats or environmental seeding effects. If that sounds like a sci-fi plot, you’re not alone. Space continues to provide the best—and worst—material for “we’re not ready for this” moments.

Cosmic Hazards and Humanity’s Vigilance

For the majority, these events translate to stunning night skies, not imminent doom. However, the increase in asteroid and comet activity hints at broader environmental and existential vulnerabilities. Now is an ideal time to examine practical guides for unlikely disasters, such as this survival breakdown, or explore global risk concepts offered at Unexplained.co.

The universe remains vibrantly alive. If you’re reading while hoping these cosmic events will pass us by, congratulations: you’re not alone. Most of us are simply along for the ride.