Asteroid to Pass Close to Earth: What You Need to Know
A newly discovered asteroid will make a close approach to Earth, passing within 56,000 miles. Learn why there's no need for alarm and what astronomers are saying about this celestial event.
Asteroid 2026 JH2: A Safe Close Call
Astronomers have identified a newly discovered asteroid, designated 2026 JH2, which will pass within approximately 56,000 miles of Earth on Monday. This distance is significantly closer than the moon, but experts assure us that there is no risk of impact. The asteroid, estimated to be between 50 and 100 feet across, was tracked by multiple observatories, including Farpoint Observatory and Mount Lemmon Observatory.
Current calculations indicate that the asteroid's trajectory poses no threat to our planet. As astronomers continue to refine their understanding of its orbit and physical characteristics, they have tracked the object 24 times over several days. The asteroid is classified as an Apollo-class near-Earth object, meaning its orbit crosses that of Earth.
For those interested in witnessing this event, the Virtual Telescope Project will stream the encounter live starting at 5:45 p.m. ET on Monday. Stay tuned for updates as scientists gather more data on this intriguing celestial visitor.