Asteroid 2026 JH2 to Pass Close to Earth

May 18, 2026

69 min

May 18, 2026 13:31

Bus-size asteroid to skim past Earth at quarter of moon’s distance

## Asteroid's Close Approach

On May 18, 2026, asteroid 2026 JH2 will pass by Earth at a distance of approximately 91,500 kilometers, which is about a quarter of the distance to the Moon. This event will occur just before 6 pm Eastern time, or around 2 am Gulf Standard Time on May 19.

## Discovery and Characteristics

The asteroid, discovered by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona on May 10, 2026, is classified as an Apollo-type asteroid. It is estimated to be between 15 and 30 meters in diameter, comparable in size to one or two school buses.

## Safety and Observations

Despite its proximity, 2026 JH2 poses no threat to Earth. It will pass safely, remaining far outside Earth's atmosphere. The asteroid's size and trajectory have been observed, but its exact dimensions are uncertain due to limitations in current detection methods.

## Detection Challenges

The late discovery of 2026 JH2 highlights gaps in the detection of smaller near-Earth objects. The collapse of the Arecibo Observatory and repairs to NASA's Goldstone antenna have reduced planetary radar capabilities, impacting the tracking of such asteroids.

## Future Observations

While 2026 JH2 will not be visible to the naked eye, the Virtual Telescope Project plans to livestream the event. This close encounter provides astronomers with an opportunity to study a small near-Earth object up close, enhancing understanding of these celestial bodies.

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Article contents