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Science / Mon, 22 Jun 2026 Mashable India

Potentially Hazardous Asteroid 1997 NC1 To Pass Earth Dangerously Close After 400 Years On June 27

Asteroid 1997 NC1’s Earth Flyby DateOn June 27, 2026, at 11:16 UTC, the Aten-class asteroid will whisk past Earth by 2.5 million kilometers, or about 0.01715 AU. Asteroid 1997 NC1’s DiscoveryDiscovered in 1997 via NASA's NEAT project at Haleakala, the object 152637 (1997 NC1) will be passing between Earth and Venus. Asteroid 1997 NC1’s ImageItaly-based The Virtual Telescope Project recently pictured the 1997 NC1 asteroid via Elena, a robotic probe. The Virtual Telescope ProjectAsteroid 1997 NC1’s PathThe asteroid 152637 (1997 NC1) was classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) by NASA JPL. Meanwhile, you can track asteroid 1997 NC1’s path here.

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An asteroid the size of the Golden Gate Bridge was last seen illuminatingly closest to Earth in the 17th century. People probably wouldn't have made much of it back then. Dubbed 152637 (1997 NC1), the Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) will soon be making its closest flyby in over four centuries within a few days.

Asteroid 1997 NC1’s Earth Flyby Date

On June 27, 2026, at 11:16 UTC, the Aten-class asteroid will whisk past Earth by 2.5 million kilometers, or about 0.01715 AU. This is about 6.5 times the distance of the Moon. Any closer to Earth by a few fractions could make the doomsday clock tick faster. At least once in a decade an object the size of this asteroid flies closer to Earth. We haven't had major threats to either the Earth or our lunar companion, the Moon, in over a century now. However, 2032 could be a little dicey for the moon.

Asteroid 1997 NC1’s Discovery

Discovered in 1997 via NASA's NEAT project at Haleakala, the object 152637 (1997 NC1) will be passing between Earth and Venus. Due to its mass and trajectory, the asteroid is classified under the Aten class of asteroids.

Asteroid 1997 NC1’s Image

Italy-based The Virtual Telescope Project recently pictured the 1997 NC1 asteroid via Elena, a robotic probe.

The Virtual Telescope Project

Asteroid 1997 NC1’s Path

The asteroid 152637 (1997 NC1) was classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) by NASA JPL. It orbits the sun every 294 days. At roughly 0.709 to 1.585 kilometers in diameter, the 1997 NC1 is larger than at least 97% of known asteroids, which NASA & ESA's Planetary Defense keeps track of along with other organizations that track NEOs (Near Earth Objects).

Meanwhile, you can track asteroid 1997 NC1’s path here.

See Also: 720-Foot Asteroid 2024 ON On Collision Course With Earth Triggers Hilarious Memefest: ‘Kya Asteroid Banega Re Tu?’

Cover: composite of NASA Earth image (blurred) and asteroid 1997 NC1 by the Virtual Telescope Project

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