Toward the end of June, Earth is expected to have a close encounter with asteroid 152637, also known as 1997 NC1, which will make its nearest approach in more than 400 years on June 27.
The asteroid will pass about 2.56 million kilometers from Earth—a distance astronomers consider close. Reports from IFL Science suggest this may be the closest approach since at least 1600, with a similarly close pass not expected again until 2133.
NASA has classified the asteroid as a potentially hazardous object; however, there is no risk of it colliding with Earth during this flyby.
Scientists Debate the Asteroid’s True Dimensions
Scientists have not yet agreed on its exact size, but estimates place its diameter between 700 meters and 1.6 kilometers—large enough that it could rival or exceed the height of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at over 800 meters.
The U.S. agency plans to take advantage of the asteroid’s close pass to study it in greater detail, collecting data on its size, velocity, and shape.
Although 1997 NC1 will not be visible to the naked eye, observers using telescopes or binoculars may still be able to follow its movement across the night sky.
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