It’s time to reconnect with an old friend. This weekend, 433 Eros, the first near-Earth asteroid ever discovered, will be flying close to our planet. You might even catch a glimpse of it over the next few weeks if you have a decent telescope.
On Sunday, November 30, 2025, Eros will pass about 60 million kilometers (37.2 million miles) from Earth, a safe distance that offers a great chance to observe it clearly. This stony asteroid is quite large—around 34 by 11 kilometers (21 by 6.8 miles)—so it will shine brightly in the night sky.
If you can’t see it in person, don’t worry! The Virtual Telescope Project will be streaming this exciting event live at 8 PM UTC (3 PM EST). You can watch it here.
Eros was first spotted in 1898 by German astronomer Gustav Witt and his assistant, Felix Linke. This discovery was groundbreaking, as it marked the beginning of humanity’s relationship with near-Earth asteroids. The scientific community took another leap in 1998 when NASA’s NEAR (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) Shoemaker spacecraft visited Eros, coming within 3,800 kilometers (2,400 miles) of its surface.
On Valentine’s Day in 2000, NEAR made history by becoming the first space probe to orbit an asteroid. Surprisingly, when it landed on Eros in 2001, it continued to function despite the mission being thought to be over. This allowed scientists to perform groundbreaking gamma-ray experiments right from the asteroid’s surface, revealing its composition in unprecedented detail.
Experts believe observations like this help us understand the origins of our solar system. According to a recent study published by NASA, understanding asteroids can provide critical insights into planetary formation and even the potential for mining resources in space in the future.
The excitement around Eros isn’t just for astronomers. Social media is buzzing as enthusiasts share their tips on how to catch the best view. Trends include using specific telescopes, the best times to observe, and even art inspired by asteroids.
So, if you’re lucky enough to see 433 Eros in the coming weeks, take a moment to appreciate this fascinating piece of space history and all it contributes to our understanding of the universe.
