Asteroid 2026 JH2 to Pass Within 91,600 Kilometers of Earth on May 18

NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies reported that asteroid 2026 JH2 will reach its closest approach to Earth on Monday, May 18. The asteroid is one of several objects scheduled to pass the planet that day. Its expected distance from Earth is 91,600 kilometers.

The asteroid's diameter is estimated at 33 meters.

Bulgaria measures approximately 520 kilometers across, making the country more than 15,000 times larger than the asteroid. The distance of 91,600 kilometers equals roughly 176 times Bulgaria's diameter. The Moon orbits Earth at an average distance of 387,000 kilometers, or about 744 times Bulgaria's diameter.

Asteroids smaller than 140 meters in diameter typically burn up in the atmosphere. An object the size of 2026 JH2 could produce an airburst if it entered the atmosphere, similar to the 2013 Chelyabinsk event that shattered windows and caused injuries.

Scientists continue to study planetary defense methods, including kinetic deflection techniques tested during NASA's DART mission. Current assessments indicate no risk of impact from this asteroid.