A newly-discovered asteroid, designated 2026 JH2, made an unusually close pass of Earth on Monday evening, May 18, at 10pm BST (5pm EDT). Discovered last week by astronomers in Arizona, the asteroid came within 91,000 kilometers (57,000 miles) of Earth, which is less than a quarter of the distance to the Moon and closer than some satellites.
Size and Comparison
Measuring up to 35 meters (115 feet) across, the asteroid is larger than a blue whale and comparable in size to the Chelyabinsk meteor that exploded over Russia in 2013. Despite its size, astronomers confirm that Asteroid 2026 JH2 poses no risk to Earth or the Moon.
Observation Opportunities
Its proximity allowed for observation with telescopes and binoculars. The Virtual Telescope Project broadcast a live stream of the flyby starting at 8:45pm BST on Monday. The asteroid is not expected to pass by Earth again until 2060.
