On June 27, 2026, a large near-Earth asteroid (152637) 1997 NC1 will fly past Earth. The space rock will pass at a distance of about 2.56 million km from our planet, which is about 6.5 times the distance to the Moon. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to astronomical observations and the Virtual Telescope Project, asteroid 152637 (1997 NC1) will make one of the closest approaches to Earth in modern observational history.
The diameter of the space rock is estimated to range from 750 to 1650 meters. Due to its size and Earth-crossing orbit, the asteroid is officially classified by NASA as "potentially hazardous," but it poses no real threat in the foreseeable future.
152637 (1997 NC1) belongs to the so-called Aten-type asteroids. This is a group of objects whose orbits cross Earth's orbit and are sometimes closer to the Sun than our planet.
The event gives scientists a rare chance to use radar and optical telescopes to precisely determine the size, shape, and composition of this object from the Aten group. For amateur astronomers with quality non-professional equipment, the flyby will be an excellent opportunity to conduct independent observations.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that about two dozen asteroids will fly past Earth by the end of June.