Space & Astronomy

Watch live: asteroid set to pass close to the Earth later tonight

By T.K. Randall
May 18, 2026

Image: AI-generated (Midjourney) Originally discovered by the Mount Lemmon Survey in Tucson, Arizona back in May of this year, the space rock - known as 2026 JH2 - has a diameter of between 15 and 35 meters.

While even relatively small asteroids can cause significant damage (the asteroid that caused the Tunguska event was only 50-60 meters across), this one is expected to pass us safely by.

The event is of great interest to astronomers around the world as the flyby should be visible in the Northern Hemisphere this evening even with modest equipment.Thanks to the Internet, it will also be possible to participate in the viewing online through a live stream that will offer views of the asteroid as it reaches its closest approach.

The feed, which comes courtesy of The Virtual Telescope Project, can be viewed below.

Will you be watching the flyby tonight ?

Let us know in the comments.


Source: Sky at Night Magazine

Tags: Asteroid