Its probability of impact is zero, and it can be observed with modest telescopes on Saturday.
The asteroid discovered in 1997 that will be visible from Earth this Saturday
The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced the close approach of asteroid (152637) 1997 NC1, which will safely pass near Earth on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The asteroid was discovered in 1997 and has been continuously monitored by international space agencies ever since.
Zero chance of impact
At its closest point, the asteroid will pass approximately 1.59 million miles from Earth. To put that into perspective, this is about 6.6 times the average distance between Earth and the Moon, making it an extremely safe pass by astronomical standards. As a result, the ESA emphasizes that there is absolutely no risk of impact.
As for its size, scientists estimate that the asteroid measures between 0.47 and 1.03 miles in diameter. However, its exact dimensions remain under study because estimates depend on how much sunlight its surface reflects.
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When will it pass?
The moment of closest approach will occur on Saturday at 11:14 UTC (7:14 a.m. Eastern Time / 6:14 a.m. Central Time / 4:14 a.m. Pacific Time).
The asteroid will not be visible to the naked eye. However, according to the ESA, it should be observable with small telescopes and, under favorable conditions, with high-powered binoculars.
Visibility
The asteroid will be visible during its approach from locations across the Northern Hemisphere. At the time of closest approach, observers in much of the world will be able to track it, provided it is nighttime and skies are clear. As the asteroid begins to move away from Earth, visibility will gradually shift to the Southern Hemisphere.
The biggest challenge: the Moon
Juan Luis Cano, an aerospace engineer and planetary defense expert with the ESA’s Planetary Defence Office, noted that the Moon’s brightness, which is relatively high at this time of month, could make the asteroid more difficult to observe at the exact moment of closest approach.
In an ESA statement, Cano explained: “An object of this size passes this close to Earth only every few years.”
As a result, the event represents a noteworthy astronomical opportunity for skywatchers, who will be able to observe it from home using relatively accessible equipment.
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