Key Facts

Overview

118379 (1999 HC12) is a large asteroid whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 1999 HC12 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

1999 HC12 orbits the sun every 111,000 days (303.90 years), coming as close as 34.62 AU and reaching as far as 55.56 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 1999 HC12 is probably between 81.013 to 181.151 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the U.S. state of Delaware.

No Close Approaches

1999 HC12's orbit is 33.70 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

1999 HC12's orbit is determined by observations dating back to April 18, 1999. It was last officially observed on April 14, 2005. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 15 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 1999 HC12:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 45.09 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.2321
  • Inclination: 15.39°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 57.07°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 94.37°
  • Mean Anomaly: 73.74°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~104.587 km
  • Magnitude: 7.58

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 111,000 days (303.90 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.42 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 55.56 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 34.62 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 118379 (1999 HC12) 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.