2026 SL
2026 SL
Current distance from Earth
4,215,994km
11.0 lunar distances0.028 AU
Heliocentric orbit · top-down · live
Next close approach
2026-Sep-21
Passes 6.1 lunar distances from Earth — about 2,362,427 km, closing at 14.3 km/s.
Orbit class
APO
around the Sun
Orbital period
1.27 yr
462 days
Diameter
16 m
about the size of a house
Eccentricity
0.434
orbit shape
Inclination
12.8°
to the ecliptic
Discovered
—
Size in perspective
1.5×2026 SL is 1.5× the size of a double-decker bus.
Observe it tonight
Apparent brightness
mag 34.4
Too faint to observe
Right ascension
0h 19m
Declination
−10° 21′
From your location
tap to check ›
2026 SL is currently faint (magnitude 34.4) — 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 SL come to Earth?
Its next notable close approach is on 2026-Sep-21, when it passes about 6.1 lunar distances from Earth — roughly 2,362,427 km. 2026 SL is currently about 11 lunar distances away — the live orbit and distance are shown above.
Is 2026 SL going to hit Earth?
No impact is predicted. 2026 SL 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 SL?
2026 SL 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 SL have?
2026 SL 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 SL through a telescope?
Most of the time 2026 SL 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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