Key Facts

Overview

Comet 11P/Tempel-Swift-LINEAR is an object whose orbit features a relatively short period, low inclination, and is controlled by Jupiter's gravitational effects. NASA JPL has not classified 11P/Tempel-Swift-LINEAR as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

11P/Tempel-Swift-LINEAR orbits the sun every 2,180 days (5.97 years), coming as close as 1.39 AU and reaching as far as 5.19 AU from the sun.

No Close Approaches

11P/Tempel-Swift-LINEAR's orbit is 0.40 AU from Earth's orbit at its closest point. This means that there is a 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

11P/Tempel-Swift-LINEAR's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Dec. 7, 2001. It was last officially observed on Feb. 7, 2021. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 1,182 observations used to determine its orbit.

Accessibility and Exploration

This comet 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 11P/Tempel-Swift-LINEAR:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2458789.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 3.289 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.5774
  • Inclination: 14.44°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 238.99°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 167.77°
  • Mean Anomaly: 295.54°

Physical Characteristics

  • Magnitude: 15.2

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 2,180 days (5.97 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 16.41 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 5.19 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 1.39 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 11P/Tempel-Swift-LINEAR 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.