Known as 2026 JH2, the object has been classified as a Near-Earth Object (NEO), meaning its orbit brings it close to the planet during part of its journey through the Solar System.

According to current estimates, the asteroid will pass at a distance of around one quarter of the average distance between Earth and the Moon. Despite the close approach in astronomical terms, NASA says there is no risk of impact.

Scientists believe the asteroid measures roughly the height of a three- to five-storey building. While relatively small on a cosmic scale, experts note that an object of this size could still cause significant damage if it were to enter Earth’s atmosphere, similar to the Chelyabinsk meteor event over Russia in 2013.

Close asteroid flybys are regularly monitored by international space agencies as part of ongoing efforts to track orbital paths and improve planetary defence systems.

The event will be streamed live online by Italy’s Virtual Telescope Project, although the asteroid itself is not expected to be visible without specialised equipment.