A massive asteroid nearly the size of a New York skyscraper will make a close approach, or pass, by Earth in the early hours of Sept. 18, according to scientists.

They say the asteroid, officially dubbed “2025 FA22,” is set to race past the planet at more than 24,000 mph, and will do so again in 2089 and 2173.

The asteroid measures between 427 and 951 feet across, similar in size to a large skyscraper.

NASA and the European Space Agency have confirmed it poses no immediate threat because updated measurements have ruled out a collision and the asteroid has now been taken off the risk table.

“Impacts on this scale are rare, but the consequences would be catastrophic,” ESA researchers said, with the pass Thursday morning offering a rare opportunity to study a skyscraper-sized asteroid up close.

Astronomers first detected 2025 FA22 in March using a special telescope in Hawaii.

It was then added to ESA’s watch list of possible dangerous asteroids.

Because of its size and speed, if 2025 FA22 did strike Earth, it could crush a major city and other areas, setting off fires and tsunamis.

People won’t be able to see 2025 FA22, but astronomers with strong telescopes or binoculars could spot it as a faint dot against the stars around 3:40 a.m. ET Sept. 18.

Asteroids are rocky formations of the solar system from billions of years ago that are seen orbiting the sun and can be different sizes.

NASA estimates more than 1.3 million asteroids are in the solar system, with over 30,000 classified as near-Earth objects.

NASA’s Asteroid Watch always monitors asteroids that could come within 4.6 million miles of Earth.

Any object larger than 492 feet passing within 4.6 million miles of Earth earns a “potentially hazardous” label.

The close approach of 2025 FA22 represents both scientific opportunity and sobering reminder of Earth’s vulnerability to space threats.

While this particular asteroid poses no danger, its massive size demonstrates the destructive potential of similar objects.

The 427 to 951-foot range puts this space rock firmly in the category that could cause regional devastation if it ever struck our planet.

Scientists will use advanced telescopes and radar systems to gather detailed information about the asteroid’s composition and structure during its flyby.

This data helps researchers better understand these ancient remnants from the solar system’s formation billions of years ago.

The asteroid’s predicted return visits in 2089 and 2173 allow astronomers to refine orbital calculations and continue long-term monitoring efforts.

NASA’s planetary defense initiatives rely on early detection and tracking of potentially hazardous objects like 2025 FA22.

The space agency’s DART mission successfully demonstrated humanity’s ability to alter asteroid trajectories through kinetic impact.

Such capabilities become crucial when dealing with objects that might threaten populated areas on Earth.

The March discovery in Hawaii showcases the importance of ground-based astronomical surveys in identifying incoming threats.

International cooperation between NASA and the European Space Agency ensures comprehensive monitoring of near-Earth objects.

The 3:40 a.m. viewing opportunity offers amateur astronomers a chance to witness this cosmic visitor with appropriate equipment.

While invisible to the naked eye, the asteroid’s passage represents a significant astronomical event for the scientific community.

The “potentially hazardous” classification system helps prioritize which asteroids require the most attention and resources.

With over 30,000 near-Earth objects currently catalogued, continuous surveillance remains essential for planetary protection.

The billions-of-years age of asteroids makes them valuable time capsules preserving information about the early solar system.

Advanced warning systems now provide decades or centuries of notice for potential impact threats.

This early detection capability gives humanity time to develop and deploy deflection strategies if needed.

The peaceful passage of 2025 FA22 demonstrates that most asteroid encounters pose no immediate danger to Earth.

However, the catastrophic potential described by ESA researchers underscores why asteroid monitoring programs deserve continued funding and attention.