The newly discovered asteroid 2026 JH2 is approaching Earth. On the night of May 19, it is predicted to zoom by our planet at an estimated distance of 90,917 kilometres – only a quarter of the distance between us and the moon, El.kz reports.

The asteroid was discovered very recently, on May 10, 2026. The object was first spotted by the American Mount Lemmon Survey program in Arizona, which searches for near-Earth asteroids. Following the discovery, other observatories joined the observations.

By May 12, data on the new object had already been entered into the international database of the Minor Planet Center. According to preliminary estimates, the diameter of 2026 JH2 ranges from 15 to 35 meters. This is comparable to the size of the Chelyabinsk meteorite that entered Earth's atmosphere in 2013.

Despite the close flyby, there is no threat of a collision. According to astronomers' calculations, the asteroid will pass Earth at a safe distance and will not enter the atmosphere. The closest approach is expected on May 19.

The object's speed relative to Earth is estimated at approximately 9 kilometers per second - about 33,000 kilometers per hour. For asteroids, this is considered a typical speed.

The flyby will be visible not only to professional astronomers. As it nears Earth, the asteroid will brighten, making it observable through amateur telescopes under good weather conditions. The Virtual Telescope Project will host a live stream of the flyby, starting on the evening of May 18.