2017 RH16
2017 RH16
Current distance from Earth
22,032,874km
57.3 lunar distances0.147 AU
Heliocentric orbit · top-down · live
Next close approach
2026-Aug-31
Passes 8.7 lunar distances from Earth — about 3,335,900 km, closing at 12.1 km/s.
Orbit class
ATE
around the Sun
Orbital period
0.82 yr
299 days
Diameter
21 m
about the size of a house
Eccentricity
0.443
orbit shape
Inclination
0.6°
to the ecliptic
Discovered
—
Size in perspective
1.9×2017 RH16 is 1.9× the size of a double-decker bus.
Observe it tonight
Apparent brightness
mag 22.3
Too faint to observe
Right ascension
8h 51m
Declination
+16° 32′
From your location
tap to check ›
2017 RH16 is currently faint (magnitude 22.3) — 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 2017 RH16 come to Earth?
Its next notable close approach is on 2026-Aug-31, when it passes about 8.7 lunar distances from Earth — roughly 3,335,900 km. 2017 RH16 is currently about 57 lunar distances away — the live orbit and distance are shown above.
Is 2017 RH16 going to hit Earth?
No impact is predicted. 2017 RH16 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 2017 RH16?
2017 RH16 is estimated at about 21 m across — about the size of a house. 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 2017 RH16 have?
2017 RH16 is ATE object. It orbits the Sun once every 0.82 years, on an elliptical path that spends much of its time inside Earth’s orbit. The interactive orbit diagram above shows where it is right now.
Can I see 2017 RH16 through a telescope?
Most of the time 2017 RH16 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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