2026 VM3
2026 VM3
Current distance from Earth
3,979,545km
10.4 lunar distances0.027 AU
Heliocentric orbit · top-down · live
Next close approach
2026-Nov-16
Passes 8.1 lunar distances from Earth — about 3,110,040 km, closing at 3.7 km/s.
Orbit class
APO
around the Sun
Orbital period
1.38 yr
504 days
Diameter
12 m
about the size of a house
Eccentricity
0.211
orbit shape
Inclination
3.2°
to the ecliptic
Discovered
—
Size in perspective
≈ 1×2026 VM3 is about the size of a double-decker bus.
Observe it tonight
Apparent brightness
mag 30.9
Too faint to observe
Right ascension
3h 40m
Declination
+2° 18′
From your location
tap to check ›
2026 VM3 is currently faint (magnitude 30.9) — 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 VM3 come to Earth?
Its next notable close approach is on 2026-Nov-16, when it passes about 8.1 lunar distances from Earth — roughly 3,110,040 km. 2026 VM3 is currently about 10 lunar distances away — the live orbit and distance are shown above.
Is 2026 VM3 going to hit Earth?
No impact is predicted. 2026 VM3 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 VM3?
2026 VM3 is estimated at about 12 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 VM3 have?
2026 VM3 is APO object. It orbits the Sun once every 1.38 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 VM3 through a telescope?
Most of the time 2026 VM3 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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