Asteroid Tracker
← Back to dashboard

Near-Earth Object

2020 XC3

NASA ID: 54099607

Safe

2020 XC3 will pass Earth on 8 December 2026 at a distance of 14.46 lunar distances (LD) - about 5,557,218 km - travelling at 51,474 km/h. Its estimated diameter is between 82 and 184 metres, roughly the size of The Shard in London (310 m tall). NASA does not classify it as potentially hazardous.

Close Approach Date

8 December 2026

In 171 days

Miss Distance

14.46 LD

5,557,218 km

Moon PHA limit

14 times the Moon's distance from Earth

Velocity

51,474 km/h

ISS

1.9 times the orbital speed of the International Space Station

Est. Diameter

82–184 m

Absolute Magnitude

H = 22.55

The brightness measure astronomers use to estimate size

Hazard Classification

Not Hazardous

The real orbit in 3D

The actual path of 2020 XC3 around the Sun, computed from JPL orbital elements. Drag to rotate, scroll to zoom, and use the time controls to run the orbit forwards or back.

Every recorded pass

Each dot is one close approach of 2020 XC3 to Earth between 2023 and 2035, from JPL's records. Lower means closer: a dot under the dashed line passed nearer than the Moon. The orange dot is the approach on this page.

2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036 1 LDMoon's orbit 10 LD today 10 Dec 2023 - 19.94 LD8 Dec 2026 - 14.46 LD (this approach)5 Dec 2029 - 15.04 LD4 Dec 2032 - 19.12 LD1 Dec 2035 - 30.99 LD Close approach date Miss distance (LD, log scale)

Size Comparison

Asteroid 82–184 m The Shard 310 m tall

Reading the Numbers

  • A lunar distance (LD) is the average gap between Earth and the Moon, about 384,400 km. It is the standard yardstick for close approaches. Read more →
  • Diameter estimates come from brightness. A dark surface reflects less light than a bright one, so the true size can sit anywhere in the quoted range. Read more →
  • Potentially hazardous is a watch-list label based on size and orbital proximity. It does not mean an impact is expected. Read more →

Recommended stargazing gear

Full guide →

This section contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Celestron 21023 Cometron 76mm Firstscope
Telescope

Celestron 21023 Cometron 76mm Firstscope

View on Amazon
Celestron 22016 Firstscope Robert Reeves Signature Edition 76mm Dobsonian
Telescope

Celestron 22016 Firstscope Robert Reeves Signature Edition 76mm Dobsonian

View on Amazon
SkyWatcher StarQuest-130P 130mm f/5 Parabolic Newtonian Reflector
Telescope

SkyWatcher StarQuest-130P 130mm f/5 Parabolic Newtonian Reflector

View on Amazon
Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 Porro Binoculars
Binoculars

Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 Porro Binoculars

View on Amazon
Celestron SkyMaster 15×70mm Porro Prism Binoculars
Binoculars

Celestron SkyMaster 15×70mm Porro Prism Binoculars

View on Amazon
Turn Left at Orion
Book

Turn Left at Orion

View on Amazon
2026 Guide to the Night Sky: Britain and Ireland
Book

2026 Guide to the Night Sky: Britain and Ireland

View on Amazon
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
Book

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

View on Amazon
Philip's Planisphere Latitude 51.5 North
Planisphere

Philip's Planisphere Latitude 51.5 North

View on Amazon