Trending Now - Asteroid the Size of a Bus to Pass Earth Tonight After Recent Discovery

WHO:

NASA, Vera Rubin Observatory, Center for Near Earth Object Studies

WHAT:

A newly discovered bus-sized asteroid, designated 2026 EG1, will pass Earth.

The asteroid is estimated to be 32-72 feet wide (10-22 meters).

The asteroid will travel at 21,513 miles per hour (34,621 kilometers per hour) relative to Earth.

2026 EG1 follows a 655-day elliptical orbit around the sun.

There are over 41,000 near-Earth asteroids currently being tracked by NASA and its partners.

The Vera Rubin Observatory has discovered 2,000 previously unknown solar system bodies.

WHERE:

The asteroid will pass 197,466 miles (317,791 kilometers) from Earth, beneath Antarctica.

WHEN:

The closest approach to Earth will occur at 11:27 p.m. EDT on March 12, 2026 (0327 GMT on March 13, 2026).

The next closest planetary approach of 2026 EG1 will be on September 13, 2186.

WHY:

The asteroid poses no risk to Earth or its natural satellite.

HOW:

NASA and its partners are conducting mock scenarios to improve worldwide messaging and response to potential asteroid strikes.

NASA is executing asteroid redirect missions to protect Earth from potential asteroid threats.

(UPDATED March 13, 2026 11:08 UTC)

NASA has announced that a newly discovered bus-sized asteroid, designated 2026 EG1, will pass Earth tonight at 11:27 p.m. EDT, coming within 197,466 miles beneath Antarctica. This asteroid, measuring between 32 and 72 feet wide and traveling at a speed of 21,513 miles per hour, poses no risk to our planet. Currently, NASA is tracking over 41,000 near-Earth asteroids and is actively conducting mock scenarios to enhance global response strategies for potential asteroid threats.