Astrophyzix Near-Earth Object (NEO) Close Approach Report & Asteroid Profile: (2026 BK2)
Written by: Astrophyzix Digital Observatory
Introduction
Asteroid (2026 BK2) is an Apollo-class near-Earth object (NEO) classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA). Its orbit intersects Earth's orbital region, and its size exceeds the threshold used in hazard classification frameworks.
The close approach on 2026-Apr-22 12:36 (TDB) represents a relatively close but well-understood encounter. Despite its classification, no impact risk is identified based on current orbital solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Close approach on 2026-Apr-22 12:36 (TDB).
- Miss distance: 0.02569 AU (~10.0 LD / ~3.84 million km).
- Relative velocity: 8.13 km/s.
- Estimated diameter: ~160–350 meters (derived from H=21.05).
- Condition code 0 (extremely well constrained orbit).
- No impact threat identified.
- ARI Score: 50/100 - Notable Approach
Scientific Consensus Snapshot
The orbital solution for (2026 BK2) is based on 125 observations spanning 2096 days (2020-07-18 to 2026-04-14). The condition code of 0 indicates a highly reliable trajectory solution. The timing uncertainty for the 2026-Apr-22 12:36 (TDB) close approach is less than one minute, confirming extremely high positional certainty.
Asteroid Profile
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Object | (2026 BK2) |
| Classification | Apollo [NEO, PHA] |
| SPK-ID | 54577095 |
| Absolute Magnitude (H) | 21.05 |
| Estimated Diameter | ~160–350 meters |
| Condition Code | 0 (well constrained) |
| Observation Arc | 5.74 years |
| Observations Used | 125 |
| Earth MOID | 0.00306 AU (~458,000 km) |
Orbital Characteristics Explained
- Semi-major axis (2.11283 AU): The asteroid orbits well beyond Earth on average, extending into the inner main asteroid belt.
- Eccentricity (0.5297): A highly elongated orbit brings it from near-Earth space out toward the asteroid belt.
- Perihelion (0.99367 AU): The orbit crosses very close to Earth's orbital distance, enabling close approaches.
- Aphelion (3.232 AU): Extends into the outer main-belt region.
- Inclination (6.33°): Moderate orbital tilt, allowing repeated near-plane interactions with Earth.
- Orbital Period (~1121.75 days / 3.07 years): Results in periodic Earth encounters at multi-year intervals.
- Tisserand Parameter (3.537): Indicates asteroidal dynamics with some interaction potential with Jupiter over long timescales.
Close Approach Analysis (2026-Apr-22 12:36 TDB)
| Date (TDB) | Distance (AU) | Distance (LD) | Velocity (km/s) | Uncertainty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-Apr-22 12:36 | 0.02569 | ~10.0 LD | 8.13 | < 1 minute |
At approximately 10 lunar distances, this is a moderately close encounter in astronomical terms but still well outside any impact corridor. The low relative velocity reduces kinetic energy compared to faster NEOs, though the object's size remains significant.
Discovery and Observational History
The object was first observed on 2020-07-18, with continued observations through 2026-04-14. The resulting 5.74-year observational arc provides a strong dataset for orbital determination.
A total of 125 observations contribute to its current solution, enabling precise prediction of both historical and future close approaches.
Planetary Defence Relevance
- Close approach geometry: With a MOID of ~458,000 km, this object represents a realistic Earth-crossing scenario.
- Mid-size PHA category: Objects in the 100–300 m range are critical for regional impact risk modelling.
- Orbit precision validation: Condition code 0 objects serve as calibration benchmarks.
- Velocity regime studies: Lower relative velocity encounters inform impact energy distribution models.
- Long-term dynamics: Interaction with Jupiter (aphelion >3 AU) contributes to orbital evolution studies.
Official Impact Risk Scales
Torino Scale: 0 — No hazard; no impact scenario exists.
Palermo Scale: Not listed / below background level — Any potential impact probability is negligible.
Conclusion
The close approach on 2026-Apr-22 12:36 (TDB) confirms that (2026 BK2) will pass Earth safely at approximately 10 lunar distances. The orbit is extremely well constrained, and no impact risk is present.
Its classification as a PHA reflects long-term orbital geometry and size, making it scientifically relevant for planetary defence modelling rather than a cause for concern.
Sources
- NASA JPL Small-Body Database – 2026 BK2
- JPL Horizons Ephemeris
- NASA CNEOS Close Approach Database
- NASA Sentry Risk Table