Full Breakdown
Asteroid 152637 (1997 NC1) to Pass Earth on 27 June 2026
6/26/2026, 11:41:21 AM
Close Approach Overview
On 27 June 2026 the near-Earth asteroid 152637 (1997 NC1) will pass Earth at about 1.59 million miles (2.56 million km), roughly 6.6 lunar distances, near 7:15 a.m. EDT (11:14 UTC). It travels ? 5.6 mi s?¹ in an orbit between Earth and Venus, inclined away from the ecliptic. Calculations show no impact risk for at least the next century.
Discovery and Classification
Discovered on 5 July 1997 at Haleakala Observatory, the asteroid exceeds the 50-m threshold for a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA), a label indicating close solar approach, not imminent danger. NASA’s Near-Earth Object Studies lists 872 objects >= 1 km among ? 42 000 near-Earth asteroids. A comparable close approach occurred in 1976 (asteroid 443103).
Size Estimates and Uncertainty
Diameter estimates range from 750 m to 1 650 m. WRAL reports 820–1 800 yards; IFLScience gives 750–1 650 m based on an albedo of 5–25 percent, while a higher albedo would shrink the size. This albedo dependence creates the spread in reported dimensions.
Scientific Opportunities
The flyby lets planetary-defense teams refine the orbit and physical model. NASA will use the Goldstone Solar System Radar to obtain high-resolution data on shape, rotation and surface, improving size and albedo estimates and strengthening the catalogue of kilometre-scale near-Earth objects.
Official Agency Statements
ESA’s planetary-defense office highlighted the rarity of such close passes and warned that the bright, nearly full Moon may limit visual spotting. NASA confirmed the distance is unusually close for this size, stressed no impact threat, and detailed radar plans to resolve diameter, spectral class and albedo uncertainties.
Media Framing and Public Perception
Some headlines have called the asteroid “hazardous” or implied imminent impact, conflating the PHA label with danger. Experts note the designation merely triggers closer tracking; no collision is forecast, and the event is scientific.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Size estimates differ (750 m–1 650 m) due to albedo assumptions, while distance figures agree across sources. Precise diameter and composition remain unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A close approach to Earth by an object of this size only occurs every few years, although this time the bright nearby Moon might impede its observability at closest approach,” — Juan Luis Cano, ESA Planetary Defense Office information specialist
- “We plan to use radar observations to help resolve the discrepancies regarding the diameter, spectral class, and optical albedo,” — NASA spokesperson
- “The 2026 flyby distance is unusually close for an object this large,” — NASA
- “The tracking of objects larger than one kilometer in diameter is nearly complete, while we might be missing about half of all those objects larger than 350 meters (1,148 feet).” — NASA
Upcoming Close Approaches
The next near-Earth object projected to enter a lunar-distance orbit is 2025 UK9, expected on 31 Oct 2025 at ? 54 000 miles. A later close pass by asteroid Apophis in 2029 will offer further observation opportunities. 1997 NC1 will not have a comparable approach until 2133.
