2026 RD38
2026 RD38
Current distance from Earth
6,106,679km
15.9 lunar distances0.041 AU
Heliocentric orbit · top-down · live
Next close approach
2026-Sep-17
Passes 15.2 lunar distances from Earth — about 5,839,625 km, closing at 8.2 km/s.
Orbit class
APO
around the Sun
Orbital period
1.27 yr
462 days
Diameter
35 m
roughly the height of the Statue of Liberty
Eccentricity
0.140
orbit shape
Inclination
14.8°
to the ecliptic
Discovered
—
Size in perspective
38%2026 RD38 is about 38% the size of the Statue of Liberty.
Observe it tonight
Apparent brightness
mag 40.1
Too faint to observe
Right ascension
23h 59m
Declination
−4° 13′
From your location
tap to check ›
2026 RD38 is currently faint (magnitude 40.1) — 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 2026 RD38 come to Earth?
Its next notable close approach is on 2026-Sep-17, when it passes about 15.2 lunar distances from Earth — roughly 5,839,625 km. 2026 RD38 is currently about 16 lunar distances away — the live orbit and distance are shown above.
Is 2026 RD38 going to hit Earth?
No impact is predicted. 2026 RD38 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 2026 RD38?
2026 RD38 is estimated at about 35 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 2026 RD38 have?
2026 RD38 is APO object. It orbits the Sun once every 1.27 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 2026 RD38 through a telescope?
Most of the time 2026 RD38 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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