159635 (2002 CZ46) is a small asteroid whose orbit approaches the orbit of Earth but does not cross it. NASA JPL has classified 2002 CZ46 as a "Near Earth Asteroid" due to its orbit's proximity to Earth, but it is not considered potentially hazardous because computer simulations have not indicated any imminent likelihood of future collision.
2002 CZ46 orbits the sun every 812 days (2.22 years), coming as close as 1.15 AU and reaching as far as 2.26 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2002 CZ46 is probably between 0.609 to 1.362 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than ~97% of asteroids but small compared to large asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the Golden Gate Bridge.
2002 CZ46's orbit is 0.26 AU from Earth's orbit at its closest point. This means that there is a wide berth between this asteroid and Earth at all times.
Orbital simulations conducted by NASA JPL's CNEOS do not show any close approaches to Earth.
2002 CZ46's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Feb. 11, 2002. It was last officially observed on July 29, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 573 observations used to determine its orbit.
The position of 159635 (2002 CZ46) is indicated by a ◯ pink circle. Note that the object may not be in your current field of view. Use the controls below to adjust position, location, and time.
The above comparison is an artistic rendering that uses available data on the diameter of 2002 CZ46 to create an approximate landscape rendering with Mount Everest in the background. This approximation is built for full-resolution desktop browsers. Shape, color, and texture of asteroid are imagined.