Two 20-Meter Asteroids to Fly Past Earth Within 24 Hours
World
Earth is bracing for a rare astronomical encounter. Within 24 hours, two large asteroids comparable in size to the famous Chelyabinsk meteorite will fly past in close proximity to our planet. Scientists reassure that any collision is ruled out; however, for astronomers, this transit will offer a unique observation window.
According to the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the cosmic bodies 2026 KB and 2026 JH2, each roughly 20 meters in diameter, were discovered just a few days ago. Asteroid 2026 KB will approach Earth on the evening of May 18 at a distance of 230,000 kilometers. Its slightly larger twin, 2026 JH2, will bypass the planet on the night of May 19 at a record-low distance for 2026 — a mere 91,000 kilometers.
Experts completely rule out any impact risks as the trajectories of the objects remain locked. Due to their high velocity, capturing these celestial bodies in the night sky will be highly challenging, though the 2026 JH2 object can theoretically be spotted using semi-professional telescopes.
Experts completely rule out any impact risks as the trajectories of the objects remain locked. Due to their high velocity, capturing these celestial bodies in the night sky will be highly challenging, though the 2026 JH2 object can theoretically be spotted using semi-professional telescopes.
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