Asteroid 2026 KF1 flew past Earth at 0.29 LD on May 18, 2026

Asteroid 2026 KF1 flew past Earth at a nominal geocentric distance of 0.29 lunar distances (0.000736 AU), equivalent to approximately 111 000 km (69 000 miles) from Earth’s center, at 09:07 UTC on May 18, 2026.

2026 KF1 is estimated to be approximately 7 to 16 m (23 to 52 feet) in diameter, based on its absolute magnitude. The relative velocity at close approach was 17.41 km/s (10.82 mi/s).

2026 KF1 is classified as an Apollo-group near-Earth asteroid. Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.661, a semi-major axis of 2.12 AU, and a perihelion distance of 0.719 AU. The inclination of its orbit is 1.07°, indicating a relatively low tilt with respect to the ecliptic plane.

According to current data, 2026 KF1 is not classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid.

This object was first observed on May 19, 2026 and last observed on May 21, 2026, corresponding to a brief observation arc of two days. Its orbital solution has a condition code of 7, suggesting the trajectory is still uncertain or preliminary and may be refined as additional observations or updated orbital solutions become available.

Other objects in the current 1 LD watchlist include 2026 JH2, which flew past Earth at 0.24 LD at 22:00 UTC on May 18, 2026, with an estimated size of 16 m to 36 m (52 to 118 feet). 2026 KB flew past at 0.60 LD at 15:15 UTC on May 18, 2026, with a size of 7 m to 15 m (23 to 49 feet), and 2026 KQ flew past at 0.47 LD at 08:02 UTC on May 18, 2026, estimated at 4 m to 8 m (13 to 26 feet).