Close Approach of 2026 KB1

[PMSchu]

CNEOS predicts that the recently discovered Apollo-class NEA, 2026 KB1, will make a close approach on 2026-Jun-01 23:35±<00:01 UT at a distance of 0.02620 AU moving with V Relative=13.51 km/sec, H=22.1 magnitude, diameter 99 m - 220 m and 'Rarity'=1. As of 29 May there is a 10 day observation arc, the Condition Code=8 and the Earth MOID=0.0229246 AU. The solution date was 2026-May-29 06:48:42 PDT  The initial reported observation was by ATLAS Chile, Rio Hurtado on 2026-05-19. With an absolute magnitude (H) just above 22.0 magnitude, this NEA is too small to make the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools. No future close approaches have been predicted.

Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 May 29 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 KB1 will make a close approach (to the nearest hour) on 2026 June 1 at 2000 EDT (June 2 0000 UT) traveling through Aquila at 15.8 magnitude and 43"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. Peak brightness of 15.6 magnitude occurs on the evening of May 31 and the morning of June 1 with the MP 0.027 AU distant traveling through Scutum at ~40"/minute. The full moon will interfere with observations of this NEA, unfortunately.

Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 KB1:    

Good hunting,

Phil S.