Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (152637) 1997 NC1 close encounter: a new image – 7 June 2026.
The potentially hazardous asteroid (152637) 1997 NC1 is making a safe approach to Earth, with a new image captured on June 7, 2026, by the Virtual Telescope Project. According to Nasa/JPL, the asteroid will reach its minimum distance of 2.6 million kilometers on June 27, 2026, posing no risk to our planet.
How close will asteroid 1997 NC1 actually get?
On June 27, 2026, at 11:16 UTC, asteroid 1997 NC1 will reach its closest point to Earth. According to data from Nasa/JPL, it’ll come within 2.6 million kilometers. To put that in perspective, that’s about 6.6 times the average distance between Earth and the moon.
While that sounds close in cosmic terms, the Virtual Telescope Project confirms there are no risks at all for our planet. It’s a “close but safe” encounter that allows astronomers to gather critical data without any danger of impact.
How was the June 7 image captured?
The latest image of 1997 NC1 wasn’t taken by a giant observatory, but by a specialized robotic unit. The Virtual Telescope Project used the “Elena” unit, located in Manciano, Italy. This setup consists of a PlaneWave 17″ telescope, a Paramount MEII mount, and an SBIG STL-6303E camera.
Capturing a moving rock in space requires precision. The image was the result of a single 120-second exposure. Because the telescope tracked the asteroid’s apparent motion, the object remains visible in the center of the frame, marked by an arrow to distinguish it from distant stars.
What makes this asteroid “potentially hazardous”?
The “potentially hazardous” label often scares people, but it’s more of a technical classification than a warning of immediate doom. This specific asteroid is estimated to be between 710 and 1600 meters large. Any object of this size that comes within a certain proximity to Earth’s orbit is flagged for closer monitoring.
Tracking these objects is vital. By observing 1997 NC1 during its spectacular flyby, scientists can better understand the trajectories of similar near-Earth objects. The size of this asteroid means it’s significant enough to be a priority for tracking, even though this specific pass is entirely safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is asteroid 1997 NC1 going to hit Earth?
No. According to the Virtual Telescope Project, there are no risks at all for our planet during this encounter.
How large is asteroid 1997 NC1?
The asteroid is estimated to be between 710 and 1600 meters in size.
When is the closest approach?
It will reach its minimum distance from Earth on June 27, 2026, at 11:16 UTC.
Where was the latest photo taken?
The image was taken remotely using the “Elena” robotic unit in Manciano, Italy.
What do you think about the increasing frequency of these “close” encounters? Do they make you more interested in space defense or just more curious about the cosmos? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more astronomical updates!