Asteroid 2026 JH2 Is About to Fly Right Past Earth—Relatively Speaking
Asteroid 2026 JH2 is set to pass by Earth on May 18, coming within 57,000 miles, which is closer than the moon. The asteroid, measuring about 20 meters in diameter, can be observed through telescopes or a live broadcast. Despite its close approach, it poses no risk of impacting Earth, as it is classified as an Apollo-type near-Earth object.
- ▪Asteroid 2026 JH2 will pass by Earth on May 18.
- ▪It will come within 57,000 miles, closer than the moon.
- ▪The asteroid is about 20 meters in diameter, similar to Chicago's Cloud Gate.
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Anna Lisa BonfranceschiScienceMay 16, 2026 5:00 AMAsteroid 2026 JH2 Is About to Fly Right Past Earth—Relatively SpeakingOn May 18, an asteroid about the size of Chicago’s Cloud Gate will fly four times closer to Earth than the moon.Photograph: buradaki/iStock/Getty Images PlusCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storylook up! Asteroid 2026 JH2 is now approaching Earth; the object, which is about 20 meters (66 feet) in diameter—comparable to Chicago's Cloud Gate sculpture—will pass by on May 18. Enthusiasts will be able to observe it using a telescope or during a live broadcast organized by Virtual Telescope.The object will pass at a minimum distance from Earth of about 57,000 miles—much closer than the moon, which is about four times farther away.
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