Asteroid Tracker
← Back to dashboard

Near-Earth Object

2021 BN

NASA ID: 54106297

Safe

2021 BN will pass Earth on 24 June 2027 at a distance of 97.33 lunar distances (LD) - about 37,413,442 km - travelling at 18,674 km/h. Its estimated diameter is between 6 and 12 metres, roughly the size of a double-decker bus (around 11 m long). NASA does not classify it as potentially hazardous.

Close Approach Date

24 June 2027

In 364 days

Miss Distance

97.33 LD

37,413,442 km

Moon PHA limit

97 times the Moon's distance from Earth

Velocity

18,674 km/h

ISS

0.7 times the orbital speed of the International Space Station

Est. Diameter

6–12 m

Absolute Magnitude

H = 28.4

The brightness measure astronomers use to estimate size

Hazard Classification

Not Hazardous

The real orbit in 3D

The actual path of 2021 BN 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 2021 BN to Earth between 1977 and 2064, 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.

1980 2000 2020 2040 2060 1 LDMoon's orbit 10 LD today 21 Jul 1977 - 10.11 LD19 Jan 1979 - 29.15 LD7 Jan 2004 - 31.27 LD18 Jul 2019 - 35.39 LD15 Jan 2021 - 1.25 LD21 Jan 2036 - 35.69 LD25 Jul 2049 - 22.5 LD27 Jul 2064 - 4 LD Close approach date Miss distance (LD, log scale)

Size Comparison

Asteroid 6–12 m Double-decker bus 11 m long

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