Research conducted by scientists from the Carnegie Institution for Science (USA) led to the unexpected discovery of a new asteroid near Earth, reports Universe Today. Asteroid 2025 SC79, which became the 39th in the Atira group of asteroids, has become the object of close attention of astronomers. This group of asteroids is known for orbiting the Sun entirely within Earth’s orbit, making them difficult to observe due to the bright sunlight.

Asteroid 2025 SC79 was discovered on September 27 by astronomer Scott Sheppard using the Dark Energy Camera on the US National Science Foundation’s Blanco Telescope.

The asteroid has a unique location and orbit. Its orbital period is only 128 days, making it the third fastest known asteroid. It crosses the orbit of Mercury and never goes beyond the orbit of Venus, which is also rare among asteroids. And thus, it does not pose a threat to our planet.

This asteroid has a diameter of about 700 meters, so it is quite capable of causing catastrophic consequences in the event of a collision with the Earth. Despite this, 2025 SC79 remains a relatively difficult object to detect due to its proximity to the Sun, which limits its observations.

Later, using the Gemini and Magellan telescopes, the presence of the asteroid was confirmed, which allowed scientists to determine its characteristics with great accuracy. It is important to understand how an asteroid could end up in such an orbit and withstand the intense heat of the sun. It may have once been part of the main asteroid belt. This could help in understanding broader processes occurring in the solar system.

Sheppard summed up that understanding how asteroids end up in such difficult-to-observe places could play a key role in protecting our planet from potential impacts in the future.