Comet 342P/SOHO is an object whose orbit features a relatively short period, low inclination, and is controlled by Jupiter's gravitational effects. NASA JPL has classified 342P/SOHO 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.
342P/SOHO orbits the sun every 1,940 days (5.31 years), coming as close as 0.05 AU and reaching as far as 6.03 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.
342P/SOHO's orbit is 0.13 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.
342P/SOHO's orbit is determined by observations dating back to July 30, 2000. It was last officially observed on July 2, 2016. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 283 observations used to determine its orbit.
The position of 342P/SOHO 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.