Newly discovered asteroid to pass closer to Earth than the moon on Monday
A newly discovered asteroid, 2026 JH2, will pass closer to Earth than the moon on Monday. The asteroid, about 62 feet wide, is expected to come within 57,000 miles of Earth, posing no threat to the planet. Astronomers discovered it just a week ago and it may be visible to amateur astronomers during its closest approach.
- ▪Asteroid 2026 JH2 will pass within 57,000 miles of Earth on Monday.
- ▪The moon is, on average, 238,855 miles away from Earth.
- ▪The asteroid was discovered on May 10 by astronomers with the Mount Lemmon Survey.
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SpaceNewly discovered asteroid to pass closer to Earth than the moon on MondayAstronomers did not know about the space rock until about a week ago.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00An illustration depicting asteroids passing by Earth.Pierre Carril / NASAShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 18, 2026, 5:30 PM EDTBy Denise ChowA newly discovered asteroid estimated to be about 62 feet wide will zoom near Earth on Monday, though it is not expected to pose a threat to the planet. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The asteroid, officially known as 2026 JH2, will come within about 57,000 miles of Earth, according to the European Space Agency — a distance much closer than that of the moon.
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