A heavy, airplane-sized asteroid '2026 FB' to fly past Earth on 18 March, NASA confirms

NASA is tracking 2026 FB, a 69-foot-wide asteroid set to fly past Earth. (Representative Image: Canva)

• Asteroid 2026 FB to pass Earth at 683,000 miles on Mar 18, 2026.
• NASA confirms no threat from the 69-foot-wide asteroid.
• Airplane-sized asteroids pass Earth safely every year.

Did our AI summary help?

A small, airplane-sized asteroid, named 2026 FB, is set to make a close approach to Earth on 18 March 2026. This asteroid is being tracked by NASA tracking data. While its proximity has captured attention worldwide, scientists have confirmed that there is no threat to planet Earth. Although the asteroid is relatively small, its flyby serves as a reminder of how dynamic the solar system truly is.

Asteroid 2026 FB: Size and Distance

The space rock measures approximately 69 feet wide, making it comparable to the size of an airplane. At its closest approach, the asteroid will pass at a distance of around 683,000 miles which is about 1.1 million km from Earth.

In cosmic terms, this is considered relatively close but still well within safe limits, far beyond the Moon’s orbit.

Tracking the Asteroid

NASA keeps a track on thousands of near-Earth objects (NEOs) to ensure that potential hazards are identified well in advance. While '2026 FB' is not classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid, its observation provides valuable data for scientists.

The asteroid’s size may seem modest, but it is large enough to warrant careful monitoring. A 69-foot-wide asteroid could cause significant damage if it were to enter Earth’s atmosphere.

How is the asteroid being monitored? 

The asteroid’s approach will be monitored using a combination of ground-based telescopes and radar systems. These tools allow scientists to measure the asteroid’s speed, trajectory and rotation, as well as gather information on its composition.

Such observations are essential for planetary defence planning and understanding the long-term dynamics of near-Earth space.

Are Airplane-Sized Asteroids Common?

Yes, airplane-sized asteroids like 2026 FB are actually more common. Space is filled with thousands of small near-Earth objects that pass safely by our planet every year.

While large, city-destroying asteroids are extremely rare, objects the size of a plane or a bus regularly zoom past Earth at safe distances. Most go unnoticed because they are too small to cause major damage and only become visible when carefully tracked by telescopes.