Asteroid 152637 (1997 NC1), a skyscraper-sized space rock measuring approximately 1,443 feet (440 meters) in diameter, will safely pass Earth at a distance of 1,594,339 miles on June 27, 2026. NASA classifies the object as “potentially hazardous” due to its size and potential to pass close to Earth during future orbits, though experts confirm it poses zero risk to Earth or the moon during this flyby.
How to observe the asteroid flyby
Space enthusiasts can track the asteroid’s movement through the constellation Ophiuchus using small equipment. According to Gianluca Masi, founder of the Virtual Telescope Project, observers need only a pair of 10×50 binoculars or a 4-inch telescope to spot the object as it shifts against the background stars. The asteroid reaches peak brightness, or a magnitude of +10, at 8 p.m. EDT on June 27 (0000 GMT on June 28).
Why is the asteroid labeled “potentially hazardous”?
NASA designates asteroids as “potentially hazardous” based on their size and potential to pass close to Earth during future orbits. While 1997 NC1 meets these criteria, the designation describes the potential for future orbital shifts rather than an immediate collision threat. According to NASA data, the asteroid will maintain a safe distance of roughly seven lunar distances during this encounter.
How to watch the livestream
The Virtual Telescope Project will host two separate YouTube broadcasts to capture the event. The streams are scheduled for 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT) on both June 26 and June 27. These sessions will feature live feeds from robotic telescopes based in Manciano, Italy, weather permitting.
Contextualizing asteroid risks
The timing of this flyby coincides with World Asteroid Day, an annual United Nations-backed awareness event held on June 30. The date serves as a memorial to the 1908 Tunguska impact in Siberia, where an asteroid exploded over Siberia, flattening millions of trees in an 830 square mile (2,148 sq km) area. While 1997 NC1 is a significant object, it remains far outside the reach of Earth’s atmosphere, serving instead as a scientific opportunity to study near-Earth objects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any chance 1997 NC1 will hit Earth?
No. NASA has confirmed that the asteroid poses zero risk to our planet or the moon during this flyby.
Can I see the asteroid without a telescope?
The object is generally too faint for the naked eye. Observers require at least 10×50 binoculars or a small telescope to resolve it as a moving point of light.
What does “potentially hazardous” actually mean?
It is a technical classification for asteroids that could theoretically pass close to Earth in the future. It does not indicate that an impact is currently predicted or expected.
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