Newly Discovered Asteroid Will Make A Close Flyby Of Earth

A newly discovered asteroid, named 2026 JH2, will make a close flyby of Earth on Monday (May 18), passing within about 56,000 miles of our planet. This distance is significantly closer than the average distance between Earth and the moon. Despite its proximity, there is no risk of collision, according to current calculations by astronomers.

The asteroid was identified by astronomers at several observatories, including the Mount Lemmon Observatory in Arizona and the Farpoint Observatory in Kansas. Classified as an Apollo-class near-Earth object, 2026 JH2 follows an orbit that crosses Earth's path around the sun. This classification is based on its elongated orbit, which stretches from Earth's vicinity toward the outer solar system.

The size of 2026 JH2 is estimated to be between 50 and 115 feet across, similar to the object responsible for the 2013 Chelyabinsk airburst in Russia. As it approaches Earth, the asteroid is expected to brighten, making it visible through modest amateur telescopes. The Virtual Telescope Project plans to livestream the event, allowing viewers worldwide to observe the asteroid's closest approach.

While the asteroid's trajectory is still being refined, scientists are confident that it poses no threat to Earth. The encounter provides a valuable opportunity for astronomers to study the asteroid's characteristics and refine their understanding of its orbit.

For those interested in witnessing the event, the Virtual Telescope Project will begin its live broadcast at 2:45 p.m. ET on Monday.