Virtual Telescope Project Streams Asteroid 2026 JH2 Flyby at 19:45 UTC
Updated
Updated · Sky at Night Magazine · May 18
Virtual Telescope Project Streams Asteroid 2026 JH2 Flyby at 19:45 UTC
8 articles · Updated · Sky at Night Magazine · May 18
Asteroid 2026 JH2 will make its closest approach to Earth on May 18, with the Virtual Telescope Project starting a live stream at 19:45 UTC.
Basketball-court-sized 2026 JH2 will pass much closer than the Moon, drawing attention because it may be briefly visible from the Northern Hemisphere in early evening.
Small telescopes could catch it after sunset, but astronomers say viewing will be difficult because the asteroid will sit low in the sky.
No impact risk is expected, making the event a short-lived observing opportunity rather than a threat.
This asteroid was detected just eight days before its flyby. How prepared are we for a larger, last-minute impact threat?
With DART's success, are we overconfident in our ability to deflect asteroids that might be harder to destroy?