A large asteroid will make a close but safe pass by Earth this Saturday, June 27, 2026, according to the European Space Agency (ESA). There is no risk of impact.
What to Expect
The space rock — officially designated (152637) 1997 NC1 — was discovered in 1997. Based on estimates of its albedo (the amount of sunlight it reflects), scientists calculate its size at roughly 750 to 1,650 meters in diameter. However, ESA notes that other albedo-based models suggest it could be smaller.
The closest approach will occur at 14:14 local time in Greece — equivalent to 11:14 UTC — when the asteroid will be approximately 2.56 million kilometers from Earth. That’s about 6.66 times the average Earth–Moon distance, eliminating any chance of collision.
How to Observe It
Observers in the Northern Hemisphere may spot the asteroid during its approach phase. At the moment of closest approach, it will be visible from nearly anywhere on Earth. As it moves away, visibility will shift primarily to the Southern Hemisphere.
Under dark-sky conditions, the asteroid may be visible through small telescopes — and possibly even with large binoculars — though its brightness could be hampered by the nearby, bright Moon, ESA warns.
“Close approaches by objects of this size happen only every few years,” said Juan Luis Cano of ESA’s Planetary Defence Office. “This time, however, the Moon’s glare may hinder observations precisely when the asteroid is nearest. “