“While the encounter is not a cause for concern, it is a rare opportunity... an asteroid of this size passes this closely roughly once every ten years.”
The asteroid designated 152637 (1997 NC1) is scheduled to make its closest approach to Earth on June 27, 2025. According to the European Space Agency (ESA), this will be the asteroid's nearest pass in approximately 400 years. NASA has classified the object as a "potentially hazardous asteroid" based on its size and orbital parameters, but both agencies confirm it poses no risk of impact during this flyby.
Event Details
The closest approach will occur on June 27 at 11:14 UTC (7:16 a.m. EDT) . At that time, the asteroid will pass at a distance of approximately 2.56 million kilometers (1.59 million miles) from Earth. This distance is equivalent to about 6.6 times the average Earth-Moon distance. The asteroid is traveling at a speed of 19,879 mph (31,992 km/h) .
Physical Characteristics
There are differing estimates regarding the asteroid's size. ESA reports a diameter range between 700 meters and 1.6 kilometers. NASA estimates the diameter at 1,443 feet (440 meters) .
Observation Information
Visibility and Brightness
- The asteroid will be invisible to the naked eye. It will reach a peak magnitude of approximately +10, comparable to the brightness of Neptune.
- It will be visible through telescopes or astronomical binoculars as a slow-moving point of light, moving at roughly 40 arcseconds per minute.
Viewing Times by Region
- Europe: night of June 26–27, early morning
- Mexico: night of June 26–27
- United States: night of June 26–27, best visibility before sunrise
- Argentina and Southern Cone: night of June 27–28
Location in the Sky
Near its closest approach, the asteroid will be located in the constellations Ophiuchus and Serpens Cauda, south of the star Vega.
Recommended Equipment
Sources differ on the minimum equipment required. For clear observation, a commercial telescope with an aperture of at least 100 mm (with 150–200 mm preferred) is recommended by one source. Another source states that 10x50 binoculars or a 4-inch telescope should be sufficient.
Livestreams
The Virtual Telescope Project, founded by Gianluca Masi, will host two YouTube livestreams on June 26 and June 27 at 7 p.m. EDT (2300 GMT) . The livestreams will feature live telescope views from Manciano, Italy, weather permitting.
Future Approaches
The next close approach of this asteroid to Earth is projected to occur in 2133.
Statements
Gianluca Masi, founder of the Virtual Telescope Project, stated that while the encounter is not a cause for concern, it is a rare opportunity, noting that an asteroid of this size passes this closely roughly once every ten years, making it bright enough for small telescopes.