A large asteroid known as 1997 NC1 will make a close but safe pass by Earth on Friday 27 June, coming within about 2.56 million kilometres of the planet. There is no impact risk, but it is still a notable flyby because the object is unusually large and close enough to be tracked in detail by astronomers. In very dark skies, and with the right equipment, some skywatchers in Europe may even be able to spot it.

It is one of those space stories that sounds far more alarming than it really is.

A big asteroid is heading our way. It is moving fast. It will pass ‘close’ to Earth. Put those three things together and the internet more or less writes its own headline.

The calmer version is this: yes, asteroid (152637) 1997 NC1 is making a close approach to Earth this weekend, but no, it is not about to hit us, clip the atmosphere or do anything remotely dramatic. At its closest point, it will still be around 2.56 million kilometres away, which is roughly 6.6 to 6.7 times the distance between Earth and the Moon. In space terms, that is close enough to be interesting. In human terms, it is still a very long way off.

So why is it getting attention?

Partly because of the size. Estimates vary, but current figures put 1997 NC1 somewhere in the region of 710 to 1,600 metres across, which is big enough to make astronomers take notice whenever it passes relatively near Earth. ESA has also cited a range of roughly 750 to 1,650 metres, while some working estimates place it around the 1km mark. That uncertainty is normal with asteroids, because a lot depends on how reflective the surface is. A brighter surface can make an object look larger or smaller than it really is when seen from afar.

Why this asteroid flyby matters even though Earth is safe

The phrase ‘potentially hazardous asteroid’ tends to do a lot of unnecessary scaring in stories like this, so it is worth being clear about what it actually means.

It does not mean astronomers think it is about to hit Earth. It means the asteroid is large enough, and its orbit comes close enough to Earth’s orbit, that it stays on the watchlist. That is all. It is more of a ‘keep an eye on this over time’ label than a ‘brace for impact’ label.

And 1997 NC1 is very much a watchlist asteroid rather than an emergency one.

It was discovered back in 1997, so this is not a case of some mysterious rock suddenly appearing a few days before a near miss. Scientists have known about it for years and have had plenty of time to calculate this flyby properly. That is why the tone from space agencies has been so calm. The approach is being described as close but safe, which is exactly what it is.

There is another reason astronomers are interested. A flyby like this gives them a good chance to study the asteroid in more detail. When an object gets relatively near Earth, radar and telescope observations can help refine its size, shape, brightness and rotation. NASA had already been planning observations around this pass, precisely because it is a useful opportunity to gather better data on a fairly large near-Earth object.

That is the real story here. Not “asteroid scare”, but “rare chance to get a closer look at a big asteroid without any actual danger attached”.

Can you see 1997 NC1 from Spain or the rest of Europe? Possibly, but don’t expect a sky show

This is the part that makes it fun. Because the asteroid will brighten as it approaches, it may be visible to amateur observers with a small telescope, and possibly strong binoculars in good conditions. The Virtual Telescope Project has been following it ahead of the flyby and says it should become bright enough to be an easy target for small telescopes around the time of closest approach.

That does not mean it will look like a shooting star or a giant glowing object flying over Spain. It will not. If you do manage to see it, it will appear as a faint point of light moving slowly against the background stars.

And there are a few catches.

First, you need dark skies. Trying from the middle of a brightly lit city is not ideal. Second, you need to know where to look. This is not the kind of thing you spot by stepping onto the balcony with a coffee and glancing up for 30 seconds. Third, the Moon may make life harder. ESA has already pointed out that the bright moon nearby could affect visibility around closest approach, which is mildly annoying but very typical of astronomy. The interesting thing always seems to happen when the Moon decides to get in the way.

Still, for skywatchers in Spain and elsewhere in Europe, it is one of those rare moments that is actually worth trying for if you have the kit. The asteroid should be around over 26 and 27 June, with online observing sessions also planned by the Virtual Telescope Project.

So how unusual is this really?

Unusual enough to be worth a story, but not unusual enough to suggest anything sinister.

The Virtual Telescope Project notes that an object of this size passing this close happens roughly once every ten years or so. ESA has also suggested that a close approach by an object this large comes around only every few years. In other words, it is not once-in-a-lifetime territory, but it is not routine either.

That is why this flyby sits in a sweet spot for public interest. It is large enough to sound impressive, close enough to be tracked with real attention, and safe enough that people can enjoy it without any of the usual asteroid-doom nonsense.

So if you see dramatic headlines about a giant asteroid racing past Earth, the sensible reaction is not panic. It is probably closer to: fair enough, that’s actually quite cool. Because that is what this really is. A large asteroid, passing by at a safe distance, giving astronomers a useful chance to study it and giving keen skywatchers a small but genuine shot at seeing it for themselves.

No apocalypse. No last-minute deflection mission. Just a big lump of rock, passing through our cosmic neighbourhood, and doing so close enough for us to notice.

Most people who have their passport confiscated by a judge would probably accept that foreign travel is off the table for a while. Begoña Gómez has other ideas. Less than two weeks after being ordered to hand over her passport and remain in Spain, the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is asking the courts to give it back.

The request follows a decision by Judge Juan Carlos Peinado to impose a series of restrictions linked to the corruption case against her. Along with surrendering her passport, Gómez was also instructed to report to court every 15 days and was barred from leaving the country while proceedings continue.

Now she is appealing that decision, arguing that she poses no flight risk and that the travel restriction is unnecessary.

An unusual move at the start of summer

The timing is hard to ignore. Millions of people across Spain are making plans for summer holidays, booking flights and deciding where to spend the coming weeks. At the same moment, one of the country’s most high-profile public figures is trying to convince judges that she should once again be allowed to travel abroad.

Whether or not Gómez actually has holiday plans is beside the point. The reality is that a confiscated passport means no foreign travel, whether for work, family reasons or a break away. For most people, losing access to a passport would be an inconvenience. For somebody who has spent years accompanying a prime minister on international trips and official visits, it represents a significant change to daily life.

That practical reality is one reason the latest development has attracted attention. The legal arguments may be complex, but the basic situation is easy to understand. A person who has just been told they cannot leave the country is already asking for that restriction to be lifted.

Why she says the restriction is unnecessary

Gómez’s appeal centres on a straightforward argument. According to her legal team, there is no realistic chance of her disappearing or avoiding the courts. They argue that her public profile alone makes the idea difficult to imagine.

Unlike an ordinary defendant, Gómez lives under constant scrutiny. Her movements are followed by the media, she is accompanied by security personnel and she remains one of the most recognisable figures in Spanish public life. Her lawyers have also pointed out that she has complied with court orders throughout the investigation and has appeared when required.

From their perspective, the requirement to report to court every 15 days already guarantees her availability. They argue there is no need to add a travel ban on top of that.

Not everyone will see it that way

The request is likely to divide opinion. Some people will look at the situation and wonder why somebody who has not been convicted of any offence should be prevented from travelling abroad.

Others will take the opposite view. If a judge has decided there are grounds to impose restrictions, they will argue those measures should remain in place until the case progresses further.

That disagreement reflects the debate that has surrounded the investigation from the start. Almost every development has been viewed through competing political and legal lenses, making even relatively routine court decisions a source of public discussion. The passport issue is no different.

More than just a travel document

Although the latest appeal revolves around a passport, the story is really about what a passport represents. Most of the time people barely think about theirs. It sits in a drawer for months until a holiday, work trip or family visit abroad comes along.

When it is taken away, however, it becomes something else entirely. It becomes a visible reminder that your movements are restricted and that certain freedoms are no longer yours to decide.

That is why this latest appeal has drawn attention beyond the courtroom.

Less than a few days after handing over her passport, Begoña Gómez is already asking for it back. Whether judges agree remains to be seen. For now, she remains unable to leave Spain and must continue reporting to court every 15 days. But her latest move suggests she has no intention of quietly accepting the restrictions without a fight.

Animal and bingo lovers are invited to a series of community bingo nights this summer to help raise funds for ACE SHIN (Animal Care España). The well-known charity that provides a vital lifeline for abandoned and vulnerable dogs across the Costa del Sol. These enjoyable upcoming fundraising evenings are giving you the chance to support the continuous animal welfare work while enjoying a game and a glass of wine with friends.

Eyes down for a full house at Cafe Jardines del Rosario

These fun filled evenings will take place at Cafe Jardines del Rosario, a local venue in Casares that regularly hosts community gatherings. It´s not just bingo up for grabs, attendees can also participate in a charity raffle. Supporters have donated various prizes, with proceeds going directly to the daily running costs of the local rescue centre.

What is included in your entry ticket?

The initial entry fee is €10 per person, which includes a delicious traditional empanada and a glass of wine upon arrival. Once the evening begins, individual bingo cards can be purchased for €5 per game. This format means attendees to manage their spend while ensuring the charity receives crucial financial support.

Save the dates for upcoming bingo nights

Organisers have scheduled three specific dates for the coming months to maximise their local fundraising efforts. Each event begins promptly at 7:30pm on the following Tuesdays –

Tuesday, June 30
Tuesday, July 14
Tuesday, September 22

How to find the venue and book your spot

Cafe Jardines del Rosario is easy to locate. From the Casares Roundabout, turn left, proceed over the next roundabout, cross two speed bumps, and take an immediate right. A public car park is situated directly opposite, and a children’s playground is next to the cafe.

To guarantee a table, please telephone +34 642 74 07 08 or email sheldonmaggieevents@gmail.com. Walk-ins are welcome on the night.