Key Facts

Overview

135742 (2002 PB171) is a large asteroid whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 2002 PB171 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

2002 PB171 orbits the sun every 106,000 days (290.21 years), coming as close as 38.51 AU and reaching as far as 49.41 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2002 PB171 is probably between 109.284 to 244.366 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the U.S. state of Connecticut.

No Close Approaches

2002 PB171's orbit is 37.50 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

2002 PB171's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Aug. 5, 2002. It was last officially observed on Sept. 4, 2019. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 40 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 2002 PB171:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 43.96 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.124
  • Inclination: 5.44°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 336.76°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 292.51°
  • Mean Anomaly: 73.47°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~141.085 km
  • Magnitude: 6.93

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 106,000 days (290.21 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.51 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 49.41 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 38.51 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 135742 (2002 PB171) 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.