Several asteroids, some comparable in size to an airplane, are making close approaches to Earth today, March 8, 2026. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is actively tracking these Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) as they safely pass our planet, posing no threat of impact. The space agency monitors thousands of such celestial bodies to ensure Earth's safety.[nasa+1]
Asteroids Monitored by NASA
Among the objects making close approaches today, March 8, 2026, are asteroid 2026 DY7, estimated at 65 feet (20 meters) in approximate size, passing at 2.17 million miles (3.49 million kilometers) from Earth. Another, asteroid 2012 DF31, measures about 130 feet (40 meters) and will come within 3.2 million miles (5.15 million kilometers). Asteroid 2026 DM8, approximately 110 feet (33.5 meters) in size, is also making a close approach at 3.74 million miles (6.02 million kilometers). These distances are well beyond any danger zone.[jpl]
While a 93-foot (28-meter) asteroid, 2025 CL3, made a similar close approach in February 2025, today's airplane-sized visitors fall within a similar scale, ranging from about 65 to 130 feet across.Objects of this size are routinely observed by NASA's advanced tracking systems. The agency emphasizes that these flybys are common and do not indicate any heightened risk.[timesnownews+1]
Understanding Near-Earth Objects
Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) are comets and asteroids that have orbits bringing them within 30 million miles (48 million kilometers) of Earth's orbit. NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) is responsible for detecting and tracking these objects. The PDCO specifically looks for potentially hazardous NEOs, which are generally defined as objects larger than 150 meters (492 feet) that come within 4.6 million miles (7.4 million kilometers) of Earth.[nasa+2]
The asteroids passing today are smaller than this threshold and are maintaining much greater distances. Even if an object around 93 feet in size were to enter Earth's atmosphere, it would likely burn up or cause an airburst, similar to the Chelyabinsk meteor event in 2013, which involved a roughly 20-meter (65-foot) object.However, today's asteroids are millions of miles away, eliminating any atmospheric entry concerns.[en+2]
NASA's Vigilant Planetary Defense Efforts
NASA established the Planetary Defense Coordination Office (PDCO) in 2016 to manage all planetary defense activities. Its mission includes early detection of hazardous NEOs, tracking their paths, and characterizing their sizes, shapes, and composition. The PDCO also works with other U.S. government agencies, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and international partners to prepare for any potential impact scenarios.[nasa+4]
A key component of this effort is the Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), which computes highly precise orbital paths for newly discovered asteroids and performs long-term analyses of hazardous asteroids.These precise calculations allow scientists to predict close approaches years in advance, providing ample time for monitoring and, if ever necessary, response.[nasa+1]
The Science Behind Close Approaches
Astronomers discover thousands of new NEOs each year. The vast majority of these objects pose no threat to Earth. Smaller asteroids, in the range of 20 to 40 meters (65 to 130 feet), often fly past Earth closer than the Moon's distance, with many remaining undetected until very close to their approach.These frequent flybys are a natural part of our solar system's dynamics.[en+1]
NASA's ongoing observation programs use telescopes around the world to find and track these objects. This continuous monitoring is crucial for updating orbital predictions and ensuring that any object that could pose a future risk is identified early. The agency also collaborates with the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN), endorsed by the United Nations, to share data globally.[nasa+1]
Preparing for Future Threats
While today's asteroid flybys are harmless, NASA continues to invest in planetary defense technologies. The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, for example, successfully demonstrated in 2022 that a spacecraft could intentionally alter an asteroid's trajectory. This groundbreaking test proved that humans have the capability to defend Earth from a potentially dangerous asteroid in the future by subtly nudging it off course.[en+2]
Scientists continuously refine their understanding of asteroid orbits and characteristics. The work of the PDCO and CNEOS ensures that our planet remains safe through diligent observation and the development of proactive defense strategies. These close approaches serve as reminders of the dynamic nature of our solar system and the importance of ongoing space surveillance.
