Newly discovered asteroid 2026 JH2 will safely pass just 90,000 km above Earth on 18 May, offering astronomers a rare and dramatic close flyby. (Artist's impression)

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A near-Earth asteroid will make a very close flyby of Earth on Monday, May 16, posing no danger to the planet. The asteroid, called 2026 JH2, is set to get to within just 56,000 miles (90,000 km) of Earth — around a quarter of the average Earth-moon distance.

It also means 2026 JH2 will get significantly closer to Earth than some satellites orbiting Earth.

What We Know About Asteroid 2026 JH2

The asteroid was recently added to the Minor Planet Center’s database after being discovered by astronomers at the Mount Lemmon Survey in Tucson, Arizona, and Farpoint Observatory in Eskridge, Kansas.

Scientists have classified it as an Apollo-class near-Earth object, a category describing asteroids whose orbits cross Earth’s path around the sun. 2026 JH2 appears to follow an elongated path around the sun that stretches from Earth’s neighborhood toward the outer solar system, though not quite as far as Jupiter’s orbit.

Objects like 2026 JH2 are closely monitored because their trajectories bring them relatively near Earth during parts of their orbit — though there is no chance of an impact.

How Big Is Asteroid 2026 JH2?

It’s not yet known how large 2026 JH2 is. However, based on its absolute magnitude of 26.14, estimates suggest the asteroid measures between 50 and 115 feet (15-35 meters) across, depending on how reflective its surface is. That’s about the same size as the object responsible for the Chelyabinsk airburst over Russia in 2013.

One reason the asteroid has generated excitement is its dramatic brightening as it approaches Earth. Observations indicate the object could brighten from magnitude 21.3 on 12 May to approximately magnitude 12.8 by 19 May, making it visible through modest amateur telescopes under dark skies.

How, When And Where To See Asteroid 2026 JH2

The Virtual Telescope Project, led by astronomer Gianluca Masi, has announced plans to broadcast the flyby live from Italy beginning at 3:45 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 18.

The livestream will allow viewers around the world to observe the asteroid only hours before its closest approach, when it is expected to reach peak brightness.

Preparing For The ‘God Of Chaos’

On Friday, April 13, 2029, near-Earth asteroid 99942 Apophis will make one of the closest flybys ever recorded for an object of its size, passing just 20,000 miles (32,000 km) from Earth — closer than many geosynchronous satellites. First discovered in 2004, the 1,230-foot-wide (375-meter) asteroid once raised fears of a possible Earth impact before astronomers ruled out any collision risk for at least the next century — hence its “god of chaos” moniker.

A rare chance for scientists to study how Earth’s gravity could alter the asteroid’s rotation and surface, the close encounter will see Apophis become visible from dark-sky locations such as Tenerife, Morocco and Mauritania.

What Was The ‘Tunguska Event?’

On Jun. 30, 1908, an asteroid about 330 feet (100 meters) in diameter entered Earth’s atmosphere and exploded above Siberia in Russia. Known as the Tunguska Event, it was the largest recorded asteroid impact on Earth, destroying 770 square miles (2,000 square kilometers) of Siberian forest. The date now marks the United Nations-sanctioned “Asteroid Day.”

Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.