Astrophyzix Near-Earth Object (NEO) Close Approach Report: April 07–13, 2026. Real Time Asteroid News
Written by: Astrophyzix Digital Observatory
Introduction
This report summarises near-Earth object (NEO) activity during the monitoring window of April 07–13, 2026, based on live data from NASA’s CNEOS NeoWs API. A total of 66 objects are tracked within this interval, including 4 classified as Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs).
The dataset reflects real-time orbital solutions and close-approach predictions. While multiple objects pass within lunar-distance scales, all currently known trajectories indicate no impact threat. The Astrophyzix Risk Index® (ARI) is included as an internal comparative metric and does not represent official hazard classification.
Key Takeaways (Data correct at time of publication)
- Total monitored NEOs: 66
- Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHA): 4
- Objects passing within 10 lunar distances: 4
- Closest approach: (2011 FT9) at 3.437 LD
- Average relative velocity: 13.3 km/s
- Largest object: 302831 (2003 FH) at ~645 meters
- No confirmed impact risks identified
Scientific Consensus Snapshot
All orbital predictions are derived from NASA CNEOS datasets and are continuously refined through optical and radar tracking. Close approach distances are calculated using numerical integration models incorporating gravitational perturbations from major planetary bodies.
Objects classified as PHAs meet defined thresholds for size and Earth MOID but do not imply imminent impact.
Close Approach Summary (Selected Objects)
| Object | Date | Miss Distance (LD) | Velocity (km/s) | Size (m) | Classification | ARI® |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (2011 FT9) | 2026-04-07 | 3.437 | 5.87 | 25 | NEO | 34 |
| (2024 TB7) | 2026-04-07 | 4.848 | 7.52 | 6 | NEO | 29 |
| (2026 FV6) | 2026-04-13 | 7.383 | 11.08 | 35 | NEO | 27 |
| (2026 FE7) | 2026-04-11 | 8.835 | 7.83 | 35 | NEO | 22 |
| (2002 TB70) | 2026-04-07 | 13.394 | 9.24 | 198 | PHA | 44 |
| 363599 (2004 FG11) | 2026-04-11 | 21.994 | 25.07 | 265 | PHA | 47 |
| (2026 FH13) | 2026-04-08 | 24.699 | 28.81 | 71 | NEO | 19 |
| (2003 GX) | 2026-04-10 | 27.657 | 6.41 | 65 | NEO | 12 |
Closest Approach Focus: (2011 FT9)
The closest object during this monitoring window is (2011 FT9), passing Earth at a distance of 3.437 lunar distances (~1.32 million km). With an estimated diameter of ~25 meters and a relatively low velocity of 5.87 km/s, it represents a typical small near-Earth asteroid encounter.
Objects of this size are generally not considered hazardous at global scales but are tracked due to their proximity and frequency of Earth-crossing trajectories.
Potentially Hazardous Asteroid Activity
Four objects within this window meet the criteria for Potentially Hazardous Asteroids. The most notable include:
- 363599 (2004 FG11) — ARI: 47, distance: ~22 LD, size: ~265 m
- (2002 TB70) — ARI: 44, distance: ~13.4 LD, size: ~198 m
Despite their classification, all PHA trajectories remain well outside impact thresholds and are continuously monitored with high precision.
Dynamical Context
The observed population reflects a typical distribution of Apollo-class Earth-crossing asteroids, with a mix of small, fast-moving bodies and larger, well-characterised PHAs. The clustering of approach dates around early April is consistent with orbital alignment patterns between Earth and NEO populations.
Velocity dispersion (5.87–28.81 km/s) reflects varying orbital inclinations and eccentricities, influencing encounter geometry and observational detectability.
Risk Assessment
- No impact threats identified for April 07–13, 2026.
- All objects remain at safe distances based on current orbital solutions.
- PHAs are monitored due to size and orbital intersection potential, not immediate risk.
- Short-arc objects may undergo refinement as new observations are acquired.
Conclusion
The April 2026 monitoring window highlights a routine but scientifically valuable set of near-Earth object encounters. While several objects pass within relatively close lunar-distance scales, none present any impact hazard under current models.
Continuous tracking via NASA CNEOS systems ensures that orbital solutions remain up to date, allowing for early detection of any future trajectory changes. The inclusion of both small transient objects and well-characterised PHAs demonstrates the importance of sustained planetary defence monitoring.
Sources
- NASA CNEOS Close Approach Database
- NASA JPL Small-Body Database (SBDB)
- NASA NeoWs API via Astrophyzix Live Tracking interface
- Astrophyzix RISK Index