Asteroid 2026JH2 to Pass Near Earth This Monday Without Risk

An asteroid named 2026JH2, approximately the size of one to two school buses, is set to make a close pass by Earth on Monday, May 15, 2023, at around 6 p.m. ET. It will come within 91,593 kilometers (56,913 miles), which is about 24% of the distance between Earth and the moon. Although this distance may seem close, experts confirm that there is no danger posed by the asteroid, which was discovered just days prior to its flyby. It is estimated to measure between 15 and 30 meters in diameter. While this event is not a cause for concern, it highlights the ongoing challenges in tracking near-Earth objects, as only about 1% of asteroids in this size range have been observed. A livestream of the asteroid's close approach will be available starting at 3:45 p.m. ET.

Key Details: • Asteroid 2026JH2 will pass Earth on May 15, 2023, at 6 p.m. ET. • It will come within 91,593 kilometers (56,913 miles) of Earth. • Estimated size is between 15 and 30 meters (49 to 98 feet) in diameter. • A livestream of the close pass will be available from 3:45 p.m. ET. • Only 1% of near-Earth asteroids of this size have been observed.