Brandon Fletcher
Today, a house-sized asteroid will approach Earth at a distance of just 57,000 miles (92,000 kilometers). This distance is significantly less than the average space separating our planet from the Moon.
There is no cause for alarm as this interstellar traveler—designated as asteroid 2026 JH2—poses no danger to Earth. this close encounter presents a unique opportunity for astronomers to observe it closely. Discovered by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona on May 10, scientists are currently gathering data on its characteristics. Initial assessments indicate that 2026 JH2 measures between 46 and 98 feet (14 to 30 meters) in diameter. It is expected to make its closest approach to Earth around 5:58 p.m. ET today, based on information from the European Space Agency.
You can witness the asteroid’s flyby live through the Virtual Telescope Project 2.0’s livestream below. The broadcast is set to commence at 3:45 p.m. ET, depending on weather conditions.
Introducing Asteroid 2026 JH2: What You Need to Know
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory reveals that preliminary orbital calculations for 2026 JH2 indicate it takes approximately 3.76 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. Its path is elliptical, extending as far out as the orbit of Jupiter.
Astronomers from the Virtual Telescope Project 2.0 are actively monitoring 2026 JH2’s close approach using a network of robotic telescopes located in central Italy. They have already captured images of the asteroid during its transit towards Earth. The image displayed above was taken when 2026 JH2 was about 503,000 miles (810,000 kilometers) away. During the livestream, viewers will see the asteroid at its brightest, around magnitude 11.5.
This level of brightness is sufficient for observation with medium-sized telescopes in backyards. If you own a telescope and the sky is clear tonight, you might attempt to spot 2026 JH2 yourself, though it may prove challenging as the asteroid will be moving swiftly across the sky.
“At the time of observation, the object will be racing against the backdrop of stars,” stated Gianluca Masi, founder of the Virtual Telescope Project, in an email to Space.com. “However, our cutting-edge telescopes will accurately track 2026 JH2 as it nears its closest distance to us.”
During the livestream, 2026 JH2 will appear as “a sharp dot of light moving against the star-filled sky, with stars creating long streaks,” Masi explained.
Once the asteroid passes Earth today, it will not return for another close approach until 2090, according to predictions from the European Space Agency. During that future flyby, it is expected to come within approximately 1.4 million miles (2.3 million kilometers) of our planet, making this event one you will not want to miss.
Daniel Mercer
