What is the status of Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (152637) 1997 NC1?
Asteroid (152637) 1997 NC1 is currently approaching Earth and is scheduled for a close flyby on June 27, 2026. According to the Virtual Telescope Project, the asteroid will reach its minimum distance from our planet at 11:16 UTC. At that time, it will pass at approximately 2.6 million kilometers away, which is 6.6 times the average lunar distance. Despite its classification by NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a “Potentially Hazardous Asteroid,” experts confirm there is no risk to Earth.
How are astronomers tracking this asteroid?
Monitoring of the object involves high-precision robotic imaging. On June 7, 2026, the Virtual Telescope Project captured a new image of 1997 NC1 using the “Elena” robotic unit located in Manciano, Italy. This setup, which includes a PlaneWave 17″ telescope, a Paramount MEII mount, and an SBIG STL-6303E camera, allowed for a 120-second exposure that tracked the asteroid’s apparent motion. At the time of this capture, the asteroid was roughly 15 million kilometers away. This follows a previous observation on May 31, 2026, when the object was approximately 19 million kilometers from Earth.
The Virtual Telescope Project uses specialized robotic units to track near-Earth objects. By compensating for the asteroid’s movement during long exposures, they produce clear images of objects that would otherwise appear as streaks against the background stars.
Why is it classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid?
The “Potentially Hazardous Asteroid” designation is a formal classification assigned by NASA and JPL based on an object’s size and its proximity to Earth’s orbit. According to the Virtual Telescope Project, 1997 NC1 measures between 710 and 1600 meters in size. While the term may sound alarming, it is a technical metric used by astronomers to prioritize objects for ongoing observation. There is no current evidence of an impact risk associated with this specific flyby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 1997 NC1 going to hit Earth?
No. NASA and JPL data indicate that the asteroid will safely pass by Earth at a distance of 2.6 million kilometers on June 27, 2026.
How large is this asteroid?
The asteroid is estimated to be between 710 and 1600 meters in diameter.
Can I watch the flyby?
Yes, the Virtual Telescope Project has announced plans to show the object live during its close encounter.
To stay updated on the latest space observations and future flybys, you can explore the Virtual Telescope Project’s Solar System page for real-time tracking data and upcoming broadcast schedules.
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