Asteroid 2026 JH2 will fly past Earth at 0.24 LD on May 18, 2026

Asteroid 2026 JH2, a near-Earth Apollo-class object, will fly past Earth at a minimum distance of 0.24 lunar distances (LD) / 0.00061 astronomical units (AU), equivalent to approximately 91 600 km (56 900 miles) from the planet’s center at 21:57 UTC on May 18, 2026.

Based on its absolute magnitude (H) of 26.217, the estimated diameter of 2026 JH2 ranges from approximately 17 to 38 m (56 to 125 feet), with precise size dependent on surface reflectivity.

The asteroid’s relative velocity at closest approach will be approximately 9.15 km/s. 2026 JH2’s orbit brings it close to Earth but does not classify it as potentially hazardous.

In terms of its orbital characteristics, 2026 JH2 belongs to the Apollo group of near-Earth asteroids. Its orbit is moderately eccentric (e = 0.583) with a semi-major axis of 2.42 AU, a perihelion distance of 1.01 AU, and an orbital inclination of 6.01°. This configuration is typical for Apollo-class asteroids, which cross Earth’s orbit as they circle the Sun.

The asteroid is not classified as potentially hazardous. Its absolute magnitude suggests a small object, and there is no data available on its albedo to infer surface type.

2026 JH2 was first observed on May 10, 2026, and last observed on May 14, 2026, resulting in a short 4-day observation arc. The current orbit determination carries a condition code of 8, indicating that the orbital parameters are still preliminary and may be revised as additional data are obtained.

Other recent notable close approaches include Asteroid 2026 JB2, which passed at 0.26 LD (99 000 km / 61 500 miles) at 20:49 UTC on May 1, 2026, with an estimated diameter between 14 and 32 m (46 to 105 feet), and Asteroid 2026 JO, which made a close approach at 0.35 LD (134 000 km / 83 400 miles) at 05:04 UTC on May 9, 2026, with an estimated size of 7 to 16 m (23 to 52 feet).