Comet 256P/LINEAR is an object whose orbit features a relatively short period, low inclination, and is controlled by Jupiter's gravitational effects. NASA JPL has not classified 256P/LINEAR as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.
256P/LINEAR orbits the sun every 3,640 days (9.97 years), coming as close as 2.69 AU and reaching as far as 6.57 AU from the sun.
256P/LINEAR's orbit is 1.78 AU from Earth's orbit at its closest point. This means that there is an extremely 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.
256P/LINEAR's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Jan. 27, 2003. It was last officially observed on July 8, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 267 observations used to determine its orbit.
The position of 256P/LINEAR 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.