Asteroid 1997 NC1 to Pass Within 2.6 million km of Earth on June 27, 2026

The near‑Earth asteroid (152637) 1997 NC1, discovered in 1997 and classified as a potentially hazardous object, will make a close approach of about 2.5‑2.6 million km (roughly six times the distance to the Moon) from Earth on 27 June 2026. The closest point will occur around 14:14 local time in Romania (11:16 UTC).

The object is estimated to be between 750 m and 1.6 km in diameter. ESA’s planetary‑defence office confirms there is no risk of impact. The asteroid will be visible with small telescopes or large binoculars, although lunar brightness may affect observation in some regions. NASA plans radar observations with the Goldstone facility to refine measurements of its size, shape and orbit, improving long‑term monitoring of similar bodies.