Asteroid 2026 KW1 flew past Earth at 0.88 LD on May 21, 2026

Asteroid 2026 KW1 flew past Earth at a nominal geocentric distance of 0.88 lunar distances (LD), equivalent to 0.00226 astronomical units (AU), or approximately 337 700 km (209 884 miles) from the center of our planet, at 05:21 UTC on May 21, 2026.

The asteroid’s absolute magnitude (H) is 29.052, suggesting an estimated size on the order of several meters in diameter, though no direct diameter range is provided. The relative velocity at close approach was 9.86 km/s (6.13 mi/s).

Asteroid 2026 KW1 is classified as an Apollo-type near-Earth object. Its orbital parameters include an eccentricity of 0.461, a semi-major axis of 1.84 AU, a perihelion distance of 0.991 AU, and an inclination of 11.8 degrees. These values are typical for Apollo-class asteroids, indicating an Earth-crossing orbit moderately inclined relative to the ecliptic.

This object is not classified as potentially hazardous, according to the Small-Body Database (SBDB).

2026 KW1 was observed over a short time frame, with first and last observations recorded between May 22 and May 23, 2026. The current orbit solution carries a condition code of 7, indicating that its trajectory remains 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 KU1, which flew past Earth at 0.15 LD at 22:11 UTC on May 22, 2026. The object is estimated at several meters in diameter. Additionally, 2026 JH2 flew past Earth at 0.24 LD at 22:00 UTC on May 18, 2026, and 2026 KB flew past Earth at 0.60 LD at 15:15 UTC on May 18, 2026.