Newly Discovered Asteroid 2026 JH2 to Make Close Pass by Earth
A newly discovered near-Earth asteroid, designated 2026 JH2, is scheduled to make a close approach to our planet on Monday evening, May 18, 2026. First spotted on May 10, the Apollo-class asteroid is estimated to be between 50 and 100 feet wide based on its reflective properties. It will pass within approximately 56,000 miles of Earth, which is about one-quarter of the distance to the Moon. Astronomers have confirmed that there is no risk of impact, as current orbital calculations show no likelihood of a collision. If it were to strike, it would represent the largest impact event since the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteorite in Russia, though still far smaller than extinction-level threats. The Virtual Telescope Project is hosting an online viewing event at 5:45 p.m. CDT to allow the public to observe this celestial encounter. This event highlights ongoing efforts by skywatchers and the Minor Planet Center to track near-Earth objects that overlap with Earth's orbit, ensuring early detection and public safety regarding potential space hazards.
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Newly Discovered Asteroid 2026 JH2 to Make Close Pass by Earth
A newly discovered near-Earth asteroid, designated 2026 JH2, is scheduled to make a close approach to our planet on Monday evening, May 18, 2026. First spotted on May 10, the Apollo-class asteroid is estimated to be between 50 and 100 feet wide based on its reflective properties. It will pass within approximately 56,000 miles of Earth, which is about one-quarter of the distance to the Moon. Astronomers have confirmed that there is no risk of impact, as current orbital calculations show no likelihood of a collision. If it were to strike, it would represent the largest impact event since the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteorite in Russia, though still far smaller than extinction-level threats. The Virtual Telescope Project is hosting an online viewing event at 5:45 p.m. CDT to allow the public to observe this celestial encounter. This event highlights ongoing efforts by skywatchers and the Minor Planet Center to track near-Earth objects that overlap with Earth's orbit, ensuring early detection and public safety regarding potential space hazards.