A newly discovered asteroid designated 2018 KW1 will flyby Earth at a distance of 0.39 LD or 0.00100 AU (~ 149 597 km / 92 955 miles) on May 23, 2018. This is the second known asteroid to flyby Earth within 1 lunar distance since May 15 and 33rd this year.
KW1 belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids and has an estimated diameter between 3 and 6.7 m (10 - 22 feet). It was first observed at Mt. Lemmon Survey on May 22, 2018, one day before its closest approach.
This object will flyby Earth at 11:57 UTC at a speed (relative to the Earth) of 7.30 km/h.
[ Ephemeris | Orbit Diagram | Orbital Elements | Mission Design | Physical Parameters | Close-Approach Data ]
Its next approach, although nowhere near as close as on May 15, will take place on April 23, 2027 (nominal distance 0.293 AU).
Reference
Asteroid 2010 WC9 at Minor Planet Center; at CNEOS
Featured image: The green line indicates the object's apparent motion relative to the Earth, and the bright green marks are the object's location at approximately one-hour intervals. The Moon's orbit is grey. The blue arrow points in the direction of Earth's motion and the yellow arrow points toward the Sun. Credit: Minor Planet Center.
