Key Facts

Overview

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

Tata orbits the sun every 2,120 days (5.80 years), coming as close as 2.91 AU and reaching as far as 3.54 AU from the sun. Tata is about 61.8 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, comparable in size to the U.S. state of Rhode Island.

The rotation of Tata has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 8.28 hours.

No Close Approaches

Tata's orbit is 1.89 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

Tata's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Feb. 5, 1929. It was last officially observed on July 4, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 4,130 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 Tata:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 3.226 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.0983
  • Inclination: 4.12°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 268.03°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 0.66°
  • Mean Anomaly: 75.96°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: 61.81700 km
  • Magnitude: 10.1
  • Albedo: 0.044
  • Spectral type (Tholen): FC

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 2,120 days (5.80 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 16.55 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 3.54 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 2.91 AU
  • Rotation Period: 8.28 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of Tata 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.