Asteroid Approaching Earth: NASA Tracking Car-Sized Space Rock Passing Tomorrow

NASA is currently tracking an asteroid approaching Earth that is expected to make a close flyby tomorrow, February 17, traveling at an incredible speed of 12,616 miles per hour.

According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the asteroid—named 2026 CR2—is estimated to be around 9.7 feet wide, roughly the size of a small car. The space rock will make its closest approach at a distance of about 84,800 miles from Earth.

Although this may sound alarming, NASA has confirmed that the asteroid poses no threat of impact.

More Asteroids Approaching Earth This Week

NASA has also reported that several other near-Earth asteroids will fly past the planet this week, though all will remain at safe distances.

February 16: A stadium-sized asteroid known as 2026 BX4 will pass Earth at a distance of 1,830,000 miles.

February 18: An airplane-sized asteroid named 2026 AJ17 will fly by at 4,140,000 miles.

February 19: Another airplane-sized asteroid, 2026 CU, will pass within 1,290,000 miles.

February 20: A third plane-sized asteroid, 2026 CA2, estimated at 110 feet wide, will come as close as 2,630,000 miles.

NASA monitors these objects through advanced tracking systems to ensure Earth remains safe from potential hazards.

How Dangerous Are Small Asteroids?

NASA reports that asteroids smaller than 30 feet wide hit Earth about once every ten years. These impacts usually burn up in the atmosphere, creating a bright fireball and loud sonic boom. In rare cases, they may break windows, but they typically do not cause serious damage.

Past Concerns: Asteroid 2024 YR4

In February 2025, scientists identified an asteroid named 2024 YR4, estimated to be between 174 and 220 feet wide, with an early calculation suggesting a 3.1 percent chance of striking Earth in 2032. NASA described this as the highest impact probability ever recorded for an asteroid of that size.

However, updated data later suggested an Earth impact was very unlikely, and scientists believe the asteroid could instead have a chance of colliding with the Moon in December 2032.

NASA stated that asteroid 2024 YR4 is currently too far away for observation, but it is expected to return near Earth again in 2028, when further tracking will be possible.

How NASA Tracks an Asteroid Approaching Earth

NASA works alongside international scientists and volunteers to monitor asteroids that could pose a threat. Observations are collected and verified by the Minor Planet Center, based at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

When an object is found traveling near Earth’s orbit, it is flagged for further monitoring. NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) then conducts detailed calculations to determine the asteroid’s trajectory and likelihood of impact.

If necessary, NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office is alerted to refine predictions and coordinate with international partners.

Bottom Line

While an asteroid approaching Earth can sound frightening, NASA confirms that these flybys are common and are closely monitored. The asteroid passing tomorrow, 2026 CR2, will safely pass Earth without danger.