141531 (2002 GB)

Very small Aten-class Asteroid

Near-Earth
Space Reference » Aten-class Asteroids » 141531 (2002 GB)

Key Facts

Overview

141531 (2002 GB) is a very small asteroid whose orbit could bring it in close proximity to Earth. NASA JPL has classified 2002 GB as a "Near Earth Asteroid" due to its orbit's proximity to Earth, but it is not considered potentially hazardous because computer simulations have not indicated any imminent likelihood of future collision.

2002 GB orbits the sun every 361 days (0.99 years), coming as close as 0.47 AU and reaching as far as 1.52 AU from the sun. 2002 GB is about 0.3 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 90% of asteroids but tiny compared to large asteroids, comparable in size to a football field.

The rotation of 2002 GB has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 73.00 hours.

No Close Approaches

2002 GB's orbit is 0.28 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

2002 GB's orbit is determined by observations dating back to April 1, 2002. It was last officially observed on June 28, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 743 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 GB:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 0.9921 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.529
  • Inclination: 22.55°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 40.81°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 8.32°
  • Mean Anomaly: 322.97°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: 0.30300 km
  • Magnitude: 19.15
  • Albedo: 0.482

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 361 days (0.99 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 29.90 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 1.52 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 0.47 AU
  • Rotation Period: 73.00 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

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Sky Map

The position of 141531 (2002 GB) 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.

Size Rendering

The below comparison is an artistic rendering that uses available data on the diameter of 2002 GB to create an approximate landscape rendering with New York City in the background. This approximation is built for full-resolution desktop browsers. Shape, color, and texture of asteroid are imagined.