ATLAS-Teide system detects record-breaking near-Earth asteroid

The ATLAS-Teide planetary defense system, located at the Teide Observatory and operated by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC), detected a small asteroid that set a record for proximity to Earth this year.

Designated as 2026 PC6, the asteroid is approximately 10 meters in diameter. It was located on August 11 and reached its closest point to Earth on August 12 at a distance of 14,573 kilometers, which is less than one-twentieth of the distance to the Moon. During its flyby, the object crossed the orbit of geostationary satellites and moved at an apparent speed of more than two degrees per minute.

Lead researcher Javier Licandro stated that such small, dark, and fast-moving objects are the priority for the ATLAS system because they often remain invisible until shortly before their closest approach. While astronomers confirmed there was no risk of impact, the detection highlights the importance of early surveillance systems in calculating orbits and assessing potential threats from near-Earth objects.