CNEOS predicts that the newly discovered Apollo-class NEA, 2026 KT2, will make a close approach on 2026-May-28 12:42±00:06 UT at a distance of 0.00523 AU moving with V Relative=11.52 km/sec, H=23.6 magnitude, diameter 51 m - 110 m and 'Rarity'=2. As of May 26 there is a 1 day observation arc, The Condition Code=8 and the Earth MOID=0.0039495 AU. The solution date was 2026-May-26 06:17:33 PDT. The initial reported observation was by MAPS, San Pedro de Atacama on 2026-05-24 the same group that discovered the comet MAPS. This object is too small to make the MPC's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) that you can download using SkyTools. There aren't any future close approached predicted yet.
Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 May 26 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 KT2 will reach a peak brightness of 14.0 magnitude on the morning of May 28 traveling through Bootes at ~170 "/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 May 28 at 0900 EDT (1300 UT) with the MP still traveling through Bootes at 14.0 magnitude and 182"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. The moon will interfere with observations on the night of May 26-27.
Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 KT2:
The orbit is still being refined for this object, so observers should follow the instructions in the "Important Thread" posted at the top of this forum section for instructions on downloading orbital elements for fast changing orbits.
Good hunting,
Phil S.
Using MPC's orbital elements for the epoch 2026 May 26 0000 UT, ST4.1.11.20 Visual Pro predicts that 2026 KT2 will reach a peak brightness of 14.0 magnitude on the morning of May 28 traveling through Bootes at ~170 "/minute. Close approach is predicted (to the nearest hour) on 2026 May 28 at 0900 EDT (1300 UT) with the MP still traveling through Bootes at 14.0 magnitude and 182"/minute, but in daylight and below the horizon in Columbus, Ohio. The moon will interfere with observations on the night of May 26-27.
Here's the Object Info dialog for 2026 KT2:
The orbit is still being refined for this object, so observers should follow the instructions in the "Important Thread" posted at the top of this forum section for instructions on downloading orbital elements for fast changing orbits.
Good hunting,
Phil S.