Asteroid 2026 JH2 passes closer than satellites near Earth flyby
An asteroid newly identified as 2026 JH2 is set to pass close to Earth on 18 May, reaching a distance of about 90,000 kilometers from the planet’s surface. That brings it closer than some satellites in higher Earth orbits, though scientists confirm there is no risk of impact.
The object was detected only days before its closest approach by observatories involved in asteroid tracking campaigns in the United States. Data compiled by the Minor Planet Center indicate that multiple telescopes contributed to refining its trajectory after the initial discovery, allowing astronomers to quickly determine its flyby path and rule out any collision scenario.
The asteroid is classified as an Apollo-type near-Earth object, meaning its orbit crosses Earth’s path around the Sun. Measurements from space agency tracking systems estimate its diameter between 15 and 35 meters. That size range places it in a category similar to the object that produced the Chelyabinsk airburst in 2013, which injured more than 1,000 people and caused widespread property damage due to shockwaves.
Researchers note that 2026 JH2 was detected too late to allow extended observation before its close pass, underscoring the challenge of identifying smaller, fast-moving objects in near-Earth space. Such asteroids can be influenced by subtle forces such as solar radiation, making long-term orbit predictions more complex. Continuous monitoring during flybys helps improve detection systems and refine models used in planetary defense strategies.
During its closest approach, the asteroid will remain too faint to see without optical aid. However, it is expected to brighten to a magnitude that allows observation with small telescopes under dark-sky conditions. A live observation feed is planned by an astronomy project based in Italy, enabling global viewers to follow the flyby as the object reaches its nearest point.
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