Asteroid 2026 KU1 flew past Earth at 0.15 LD on May 22, 2026

Asteroid 2026 KU1 flew past Earth at a nominal distance of 0.15 lunar distances (LD), equivalent to 0.0003818 AU or approximately 57 400 km (35 670 miles) from Earth’s center, at 22:11 UTC on May 22, 2026.

The object is estimated to be a small asteroid, with its size suggested by an absolute magnitude (H) of 31.069. The relative velocity at close approach was 9.04 km/s (5.62 mi/s).

2026 KU1 is classified as an Apollo-type near-Earth asteroid. Its orbital elements include an eccentricity of 0.341, a semi-major axis of 1.39 AU, a perihelion distance of 0.914 AU, and an inclination of 1.79 degrees. This orbit is typical for Apollo-class objects, with moderate eccentricity and low inclination.

The object is not classified as potentially hazardous. Based on available SBDB data, its size remains consistent with a small, meter-scale asteroid, though precise diameter estimates are not supplied directly.

2026 KU1 was first observed on May 22, 2026 and last observed on the same day, indicating a very short observational arc. The current orbit solution carries a condition code of 6, suggesting the trajectory is 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 (57 100 km / 35 480 miles) at 22:00 UTC on May 18, 2026. 2026 KB flew past at 0.60 LD (229 900 km / 142 900 miles) at 15:15 UTC on May 18, and 2026 KF1 flew past at 0.29 LD (111 800 km / 69 500 miles) at 09:07 UTC on May 18, 2026. Additionally, 2026 KQ flew past at 0.47 LD and 2026 KT at 0.42 LD during the days prior to 2026 KU1’s approach. All these objects were estimated to be small asteroids, generally less than 50 m (164 feet) in diameter.