A newly discovered asteroid, measuring up to 115 feet in diameter—roughly the size of a blue whale—is set to fly past Earth on Monday, coming closer than many orbiting satellites. The space rock, designated 2026 JH2, will make its closest approach at approximately 3:15 p.m. EDT, passing at a distance of just 12,000 miles from our planet's surface.
Unlike typical near-Earth objects that miss us by millions of miles, this one will be well within the orbit of geosynchronous satellites. Stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts can watch the event live via a free online livestream hosted by the Virtual Telescope Project.
Background
Asteroid 2026 JH2 was first spotted just days ago by the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona. Its size—estimated between 50 and 115 feet—puts it in the same category as the Chelyabinsk meteor that exploded over Russia in 2013, injuring over 1,200 people.
"Objects this large come this close only a few times a year," said Dr. Emily Rodriguez, a planetary defense expert at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "While 2026 JH2 poses no impact threat, its proximity reminds us that Earth operates in a cosmic shooting gallery." The flyby offers a rare opportunity for scientists to study an asteroid up close using radar and telescopes.
What This Means
This close approach highlights the importance of asteroid detection programs. The fact that 2026 JH2 was found only after it had already passed within a fraction of the lunar distance underscores gaps in our survey capabilities. "If an asteroid of this size were on a collision course, we might not have much warning time," said Dr. James Carter, a planetary scientist at the University of Hawaii.
For the public, the flyby is a spectacular reminder of our dynamic solar system. Observers in clear skies might spot the asteroid using a modest telescope—or simply tune into the livestream. The Virtual Telescope Project will begin coverage at 3:00 p.m. EDT on Monday.
No other known asteroid of this size is expected to come as close for the next several years, making Monday's event a must-watch for space enthusiasts.
Watch the live stream here: Virtual Telescope Project feed.