A newly discovered asteroid, 2026 JH2, is making headlines as it approaches Earth. This celestial body, comparable in size to an adult blue whale, will pass by our planet on May 18, 2026. Observers can view the event live via the Virtual Telescope Project’s YouTube channel.
Key Details of Asteroid 2026 JH2
- Date of Closest Approach: May 18, 2026
- Time: 5:23 p.m. EDT (21:23 GMT)
- Distance from Earth: 56,628 miles (91,135 kilometers)
- Size: Between 52 and 114 feet (16 to 35 meters)
- Speed: 19,417 mph (31,248 km/h)
- Brightness: Expected to reach magnitude 11.5
Discovery and Observations
The asteroid was initially identified on May 10, 2026, by the Mount Lemmon Survey located in Arizona. Follow-up studies suggest that its size may vary significantly based on how bright it appears in the sky.
During its closest encounter, 2026 JH2 will be moving quickly across the sky. Observers will witness it as a bright dot against the starry background, as advanced telescopes will track its path precisely.
How to Watch Live
The livestream event is scheduled to start at 3:45 p.m. EDT on May 18, weather permitting. The tracking will showcase the asteroid at its peak brightness before it vanishes below the horizon.
No Threat to Earth
Importantly, 2026 JH2 poses no danger to Earth or the moon during this close approach. After passing Earth, it will continue on a 3.8-year journey, eventually reaching the vicinity of Jupiter before returning toward the sun.
The next close encounter with this asteroid is not expected until 2060, when it will be approximately 17 times the distance between the Earth and the moon.
