Asteroid 2025 QM3 flew past Earth at 0.53 LD on August 21

Asteroid 2025 QM3, a near-Earth object, flew past Earth at a closest distance of 0.53 lunar distances (LD) / 0.00136 astronomical units (AU), which is approximately 203 990 km (126 815 miles) from Earth’s center, at 12:00 UTC on August 21, 2025.

Based on its absolute magnitude (H) of 28.827, the estimated diameter of 2025 QM3 is in the range of 7–16 m (23–52 feet).

During its close approach, 2025 QM3 traveled at a relative velocity of about 9.25 km/s.

2025 QM3 belongs to the Apollo class of asteroids. It has an orbital eccentricity of 0.262, a semi-major axis of 1.18 AU, a perihelion distance of 0.868 AU, and an inclination of 9.53 degrees. These orbital parameters are typical of Apollo-type near-Earth asteroids, with moderate eccentricity and low inclination compared to the ecliptic.

No albedo (reflectivity) data is available. The object is not classified as potentially hazardous for Earth based on current assessments.

2025 QM3 was observed over a short arc from August 22 to August 23, 2025. This observation window of about 1 day results in an orbit solution with a condition code of 7, indicating the orbital parameters are uncertain or preliminary and may be improved with further observations.

Other recent close approaches within 1 lunar distance include Asteroid 2025 PF2, which passed Earth at 0.06 LD / 0.00015 AU (9 000 km / 5 592 miles) at 00:13 UTC on August 15, estimated to be 3–6 m (10–20 feet) in diameter. Asteroid 2025 PU1 made a flyby at 0.08 LD / 0.00020 AU (12 000 km / 7 456 miles) at 19:44 UTC on August 13, with an estimated size of 2–4 m (7–13 feet). Asteroid 2025 PU closely approached at 0.14 LD / 0.00035 AU (21 000 km / 13 049 miles) at 21:42 UTC on August 2, estimated at 2–4 m (7–13 feet).