Asteroid Tracker
← Back to dashboard

Near-Earth Object

2022 RK

NASA ID: 54300597

Safe

2022 RK will pass Earth on 6 September 2026 at a distance of 13.62 lunar distances (LD) - about 5,234,494 km - travelling at 31,129 km/h. Its estimated diameter is between 18 and 39 metres, roughly the size of a double-decker bus (around 11 m long). NASA does not classify it as potentially hazardous.

Close Approach Date

6 September 2026

In 78 days

Miss Distance

13.62 LD

5,234,494 km

Moon PHA limit

14 times the Moon's distance from Earth

Velocity

31,129 km/h

ISS

1.1 times the orbital speed of the International Space Station

Est. Diameter

18–39 m

Absolute Magnitude

H = 25.89

The brightness measure astronomers use to estimate size

Hazard Classification

Not Hazardous

The real orbit in 3D

The actual path of 2022 RK 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 2022 RK to Earth between 1912 and 2085, 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.

1925 1950 1975 2000 2025 2050 2075 1 LDMoon's orbit 10 LD today 3 Sept 1912 - 10 LD6 Sept 1916 - 14.15 LD5 Sept 1967 - 8.39 LD7 Sept 1971 - 16.74 LD28 Aug 2018 - 25.15 LD4 Sept 2022 - 9.36 LD6 Sept 2026 - 13.62 LD (this approach)2 Sept 2077 - 12.54 LD5 Sept 2081 - 11.03 LD7 Sept 2085 - 34.44 LD Close approach date Miss distance (LD, log scale)

Size Comparison

Asteroid 18–39 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