Science
Astronomers Discover New Asteroid 2025 SC79 Near Earth

A newly discovered asteroid, named 2025 SC79, has been identified as a close neighbor to Earth, raising awareness about the potential hazards posed by such celestial bodies. The asteroid was located by Scott S. Sheppard, an astronomer at the Carnegie Institute for Science, on September 27, 2023, utilizing the Dark Energy Camera on the National Science Foundation’s Blanco 4-meter telescope.
Characteristics of 2025 SC79
2025 SC79 belongs to the Atira asteroid group, which consists of near-Earth asteroids that have orbits entirely within that of Earth. This group is notably rare; 2025 SC79 is the 39th member of this category. Asteroids in this group are difficult to detect due to their proximity to the Sun, which obscures their visibility with its intense glare.
This particular asteroid measures approximately 700 metres (about 2,300 feet
2025 SC79 is also notable for its orbital characteristics. It completes a trip around the Sun in just 128 days, making it the third fastest asteroid in terms of orbital period. For comparison, Mercury‘s orbital period is 88 days.
The Challenge of Detection
Detecting asteroids like 2025 SC79 poses significant challenges for astronomers. “The most dangerous asteroids are the most difficult to detect,” Sheppard stated in a press release. He emphasized that while most asteroid research occurs during nighttime, those near the Sun can only be observed during twilight conditions—just before sunrise or just after sunset. This makes them particularly elusive and raises concerns about their potential to impact Earth.
The discovery of 2025 SC79 was subsequently confirmed using two other telescopes: the NSF’s Gemini telescope and the Carnegie Science’s Magellan telescopes. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of multiple observational tools in tracking potentially hazardous objects.
As 2025 SC79 is set to disappear behind the Sun for a few months, further observations will be necessary to better understand its composition and origins. The asteroid’s ability to withstand the Sun’s heat raises questions about its material properties and history, including whether it was dislodged from the main asteroid belt and captured by the Sun’s gravity.
Sheppard concluded, “Understanding how these objects arrived at their current locations can help us protect our planet and enhance our knowledge of Solar System history.” The ongoing study of asteroids like 2025 SC79 is crucial as scientists seek to mitigate risks associated with potential impacts on Earth.
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