The Virtual Telescope Project has released a captivating image and video of the potentially hazardous asteroid (152637) 1997 NC1, offering a rare glimpse of its approach towards Earth. This 710-1600 meters large asteroid is set to make its closest approach on June 27, 2026, at 11:16 UTC, coming as close as 2.6 million kilometers, which is 6.6 times the average lunar distance. While this distance is considered safe, it's a significant event as objects of this size typically approach Earth every ten years. The project's robotic unit, Elena, captured the image and video, showcasing the asteroid's apparent motion against the stars, with the asteroid getting brighter each night. The Virtual Telescope Project invites viewers to witness this celestial event live, providing an opportunity to observe this rare occurrence. The project also encourages support through donations, offering exclusive digital images and a chance to celebrate the ARTEMIS II mission with a stunning supermoon image. This initiative highlights the importance of public engagement with space exploration and the potential for scientific discovery.
