Close Approach Data
| Date | Miss Distance | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| October 21, 1924 | 0.1494 AU (22.3 million km) | 33.9 km/s |
| February 9, 1929 | 0.1197 AU (17.9 million km) | 35.2 km/s |
| December 13, 1931 | 0.0384 AU (5.7 million km) | 34.6 km/s |
| May 31, 1933 | 0.0898 AU (13.4 million km) | 36.6 km/s |
| September 18, 1937 | 0.0604 AU (9.0 million km) | 38.1 km/s |
| December 20, 1941 | 0.1885 AU (28.2 million km) | 28.6 km/s |
| January 7, 1942 | 0.0425 AU (6.4 million km) | 39.3 km/s |
| April 29, 1946 | 0.0362 AU (5.4 million km) | 40.3 km/s |
| August 18, 1950 | 0.0422 AU (6.3 million km) | 41.4 km/s |
| December 7, 1954 | 0.0596 AU (8.9 million km) | 42.6 km/s |
| March 27, 1959 | 0.0887 AU (13.3 million km) | 44.3 km/s |
| July 16, 1963 | 0.1252 AU (18.7 million km) | 46.2 km/s |
| December 8, 1964 | 0.1313 AU (19.6 million km) | 37.8 km/s |
| December 16, 1974 | 0.0547 AU (8.2 million km) | 32.4 km/s |
| December 10, 2007 | 0.1209 AU (18.1 million km) | 37.4 km/s |
| December 16, 2017 | 0.0689 AU (10.3 million km) | 31.9 km/s |
| December 11, 2050 | 0.0826 AU (12.4 million km) | 36.2 km/s |
| December 18, 2060 | 0.1111 AU (16.6 million km) | 30.6 km/s |
| December 14, 2093 | 0.0198 AU (3.0 million km) | 34.2 km/s |
| December 25, 2093 | 0.1275 AU (19.1 million km) | 35.0 km/s |
| April 14, 2098 | 0.0865 AU (12.9 million km) | 37.1 km/s |
| August 3, 2102 | 0.0569 AU (8.5 million km) | 39.1 km/s |
| December 22, 2103 | 0.1715 AU (25.7 million km) | 29.0 km/s |
| November 22, 2106 | 0.0520 AU (7.8 million km) | 40.9 km/s |
| March 12, 2111 | 0.0755 AU (11.3 million km) | 43.0 km/s |
| July 1, 2115 | 0.1125 AU (16.8 million km) | 45.2 km/s |
| December 13, 2136 | 0.0551 AU (8.2 million km) | 35.4 km/s |
| December 19, 2146 | 0.0903 AU (13.5 million km) | 31.2 km/s |
| December 9, 2179 | 0.1906 AU (28.5 million km) | 39.6 km/s |
| December 15, 2189 | 0.0355 AU (5.3 million km) | 34.8 km/s |
| December 20, 2199 | 0.0949 AU (14.2 million km) | 31.0 km/s |
Potentially Hazardous Asteroid
3200 Phaethon (1983 TB) is classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) because it is estimated to be larger than 140 meters and its orbit comes within 0.05 AU of Earth. NASA continuously monitors this object for any future impact risk. Current data does not indicate a confirmed impact event.
Asteroid responsible for the Geminids meteor shower
3200 Phaethon, provisionally designated 1983 TB, is an active Apollo asteroid with an orbit that brings it closer to the Sun than any other named asteroid. For this reason, it was named after the Greek Hero, Phaëthon, son of the sun god Helios. It is 5.8 km (3.6 mi) in diameter and is the parent body of the Geminids meteor shower of mid-December. With an observation arc of 35+ years, it has a very well determined orbit. The 2017 Earth approach distance of about 10 million km was known with an accuracy of ±700 m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3200 Phaethon (1983 TB) dangerous?▾
3200 Phaethon (1983 TB) is classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA) by NASA. This means it is large enough and its orbit brings it close enough to Earth to warrant close monitoring. However, a PHA classification does not mean an impact is imminent.
How close will 3200 Phaethon (1983 TB) come to Earth?▾
The closest recorded Earth approach of 3200 Phaethon (1983 TB) is 0.0384 AU (5.7 million km) on December 13, 1931, at a speed of approximately 34.6 km/s.
How big is 3200 Phaethon (1983 TB)?▾
3200 Phaethon (1983 TB) has an estimated diameter of 5.72 km (3536–7908 meters range). Its absolute magnitude (H) is 14.38, which NASA uses along with assumed albedo to estimate size.