NASA is closely monitoring an asteroid named 2026 BJ8, roughly the size of an airplane, as it makes a safe flyby of Earth this week. The space rock, estimated to be about 35.5 meters (116 feet) long, is traveling at an impressive speed of approximately 50,000 kilometers per hour (31,000 miles per hour). Its closest approach to our planet is expected on February 12, 2026, passing at a distance of about 3.8 million kilometers (2.37 million miles).Space agency officials confirm the asteroid poses no threat to Earth.[timesnownews+1]
Routine Flyby Poses No Threat
Asteroid 2026 BJ8 is classified as a Near-Earth Object (NEO) and has been under close observation by NASA's Asteroid Watch dashboard.These objects are remnants from the early formation of our solar system, and their paths are routinely altered by gravitational forces from planets.While a distance of 3.8 million kilometers might seem close in astronomical terms, it is far enough that Earth's gravity will not capture or cause a collision.This flyby is considered an astronomical event and does not represent an emergency.[timesnownews+5]
Scientists at NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) track thousands of these objects to ensure planetary safety.They use a global network of telescopes and radar systems to precisely model asteroid orbits, often predicting their paths years or even decades in advance.The ability to continuously monitor and predict asteroid flybys with high confidence helps reduce uncertainty and allows for early detection of potential hazards.[jpl+4]
Understanding Potentially Hazardous Asteroids
The term "Potentially Hazardous Asteroid" (PHA) describes asteroids that could make threatening close approaches to Earth.NASA defines PHAs as objects larger than about 140 meters (460 feet) in diameter that come within 7.5 million kilometers (4.65 million miles) of Earth's orbit.Asteroid 2026 BJ8, at 35.5 meters, falls below this size threshold for a PHA, further reducing any concern.[cneos+4]
Currently, no known asteroid larger than 140 meters has a significant chance of hitting Earth for at least the next 100 years.NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office leads efforts to identify, track, and characterize NEOs.This includes conducting hypothetical impact exercises with international partners to prepare for any future asteroid threats.These exercises help refine warning systems and mitigation strategies.[iflscience+3]
Continuous Monitoring and Future Missions
The close approach of 2026 BJ8 provides a valuable opportunity for scientists to study such objects in detail.Each flyby serves as a natural experiment to test and improve orbit determination models under real-world conditions.NASA and other space agencies are continuously developing new tools and missions to enhance asteroid detection.For example, the upcoming NEO Surveyor mission aims to spot more asteroids, particularly those approaching from the direction of the Sun, which can be a blind spot for Earth-based telescopes.[astrophyzix+3]
The European Space Agency (ESA) also plays a significant role in planetary defense.ESA recently awarded contracts for its Ramses mission, which will rendezvous with asteroid Apophis ahead of its close flyby in 2029.Apophis, a much larger asteroid at roughly 375 meters (1,230 feet), will pass within 32,000 kilometers (20,000 miles) of Earth—closer than some geostationary satellites. While Apophis also poses no threat, missions like Ramses will provide unique insights into asteroid properties and behavior.[esa+5]
These ongoing efforts highlight the dedication of global space agencies to track and understand near-Earth objects. The flyby of 2026 BJ8 is a testament to the effectiveness of modern asteroid detection and tracking systems, ensuring our planet remains safe from such celestial visitors.[esa]
