2016 PC8
2016 PC8
Current distance from Earth
45,611,760km
118.7 lunar distances0.305 AU
Heliocentric orbit · top-down · live
Next close approach
2027-Jan-31
Passes 13.3 lunar distances from Earth — about 5,129,493 km, closing at 5.8 km/s.
Orbit class
APO
around the Sun
Orbital period
1.12 yr
410 days
Diameter
41 m
roughly the height of the Statue of Liberty
Eccentricity
0.162
orbit shape
Inclination
8.8°
to the ecliptic
Discovered
—
Size in perspective
44%2016 PC8 is about 44% the size of the Statue of Liberty.
Observe it tonight
Apparent brightness
mag 25.3
Too faint to observe
Right ascension
20h 03m
Declination
−48° 38′
From your location
tap to check ›
2016 PC8 is currently faint (magnitude 25.3) — it brightens around close approaches. Position is in equatorial coordinates (J2000); pair it with our sky conditions to plan a session.
Frequently asked questions
How close does 2016 PC8 come to Earth?
Its next notable close approach is on 2027-Jan-31, when it passes about 13.3 lunar distances from Earth — roughly 5,129,493 km. 2016 PC8 is currently about 119 lunar distances away — the live orbit and distance are shown above.
Is 2016 PC8 going to hit Earth?
No impact is predicted. 2016 PC8 is not on any impact-risk watchlist. Its trajectory is continuously refined as new observations are gathered, and predicted close approaches are calculated decades ahead. Its live position and orbit are shown above.
How big is 2016 PC8?
2016 PC8 is estimated at about 41 m across — roughly the height of the Statue of Liberty. Size estimates are derived from how bright the asteroid appears and refined by radar and thermal measurements when it passes close to Earth.
What kind of orbit does 2016 PC8 have?
2016 PC8 is APO object. It orbits the Sun once every 1.12 years, on an elliptical path that reaches beyond Earth’s orbit and swings back toward the Sun. The interactive orbit diagram above shows where it is right now.
Can I see 2016 PC8 through a telescope?
Most of the time 2016 PC8 is far too faint to see, but during a close approach it can brighten enough for amateur telescopes. Check the close-approach date above, then plan your night with our sky and space-weather tools.
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