Key Facts

Overview

Erinleeryan is a mid-sized asteroid that orbits between Mars and Jupiter in the outer reaches of the main asteroid belt. NASA JPL has not classified Erinleeryan as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Erinleeryan orbits the sun every 2,910 days (7.97 years), coming as close as 3.85 AU and reaching as far as 4.12 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, Erinleeryan is probably between 7.056 to 15.778 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the San Francisco Bay.

No Close Approaches

Erinleeryan's orbit is 2.86 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.

Images and Observations

Erinleeryan's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Oct. 24, 1981. It was last officially observed on May 13, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 1,691 observations used to determine its orbit.

Accessibility and Exploration

This asteroid is not considered a viable target for human exploration by the NHATS study.

Similar Objects

These objects have orbits that share similar characteristics to the orbit of Erinleeryan:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 3.985 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.033
  • Inclination: 2.99°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 123.9°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 49.56°
  • Mean Anomaly: 326.79°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~9.109 km
  • Magnitude: 12.88

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 2,910 days (7.97 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 14.90 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 4.12 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 3.85 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of Erinleeryan 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.