2026 SJ
2026 SJ
Current distance from Earth
4,207,842km
10.9 lunar distances0.028 AU
Heliocentric orbit · top-down · live
Next close approach
2026-Sep-18
Passes 6.9 lunar distances from Earth — about 2,645,967 km, closing at 8.5 km/s.
Orbit class
AMO
around the Sun
Orbital period
3.74 yr
1367 days
Diameter
16 m
about the size of a house
Eccentricity
0.576
orbit shape
Inclination
6.9°
to the ecliptic
Discovered
—
Size in perspective
1.5×2026 SJ is 1.5× the size of a double-decker bus.
Observe it tonight
Apparent brightness
mag 24.9
Too faint to observe
Right ascension
20h 30m
Declination
−10° 43′
From your location
tap to check ›
2026 SJ is currently faint (magnitude 24.9) — 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 SJ come to Earth?
Its next notable close approach is on 2026-Sep-18, when it passes about 6.9 lunar distances from Earth — roughly 2,645,967 km. 2026 SJ is currently about 11 lunar distances away — the live orbit and distance are shown above.
Is 2026 SJ going to hit Earth?
No impact is predicted. 2026 SJ 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 SJ?
2026 SJ is estimated at about 16 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 2026 SJ have?
2026 SJ is AMO object. It orbits the Sun once every 3.74 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 SJ through a telescope?
Most of the time 2026 SJ 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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