A newly discovered asteroid will pass close to Earth in the coming days

Many asteroids travel through space at different speeds and along various trajectories. But sometimes, some of these celestial objects cross Earth's path. This will be the case for 2026 JH2, which will pass close to our planet on May 18, 2026.

This asteroid was recently discovered by astronomers from the Mount Lemmon Survey in Arizona and the Farpoint Observatory in Eskridge, Kansas. Classified as an Apollo asteroid, it will cross Earth’s orbit around the Sun.

But there is no reason to fear a disaster. Indeed, 2026 JH2 poses no threat to our planet, as it will pass about 90,000 km from Earth’s surface. Furthermore, it is an asteroid that measures between 50 and 115 feet (about 15-35 meters), which is similar to the asteroid that crossed the sky over Russia in 2013. 

However, it will be possible to observe it with amateur telescopes. Its magnitude could drop from 21.3 to 12.8 as it approaches Earth. In addition, a livestream will also be available on the Virtual Telescope Project.

While this asteroid could offer a remarkable show, observing it could help scientists. Indeed, the observation of these celestial objects has improved over the years, enabling researchers to learn more about them, as in the case of the asteroid Apophis. Also known as the God of Chaos, it will pass about 32,000 km from Earth on April 13, 2029.