Asteroid 1997 NC1 to Fly Safely Past Earth on June 27, 2026

asteroid 1997 NC1 Earth flyby June 27 2026 safe approach astronomical observation

The near‑Earth asteroid (152637) 1997 NC1 will make its closest approach to Earth on Saturday, 27 June 2026, passing at a distance of about 2.56 million km (1.6 million miles), roughly 6.6 times the Moon‑Earth distance. The European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA confirm the encounter poses zero impact risk.

The rocky Aten‑class object measures between 750 m and 1.65 km in diameter, comparable in size to two to four Empire State Buildings. Discovered in 1997, it will travel at about 8.9 km/s. After this flyby, the next close approach will not occur until 2133.

Astronomers say the asteroid will reach a magnitude near 10, making it visible through small telescopes and binoculars, especially in the northern hemisphere before sunrise. Live streams are planned by the Virtual Telescope Project, and astronomy apps can help locate it near the constellations Ophiuchus and Serpens Cauda. The event has generated interest across the United States, Mexico, Chile and other regions for both professional and amateur observers.