159533 (2001 HH31)

Small Amor-class Asteroid

Near-Earth
Space Reference » Amor-class Asteroids » 159533 (2001 HH31)

Key Facts

Overview

159533 (2001 HH31) is a small asteroid whose orbit approaches the orbit of Earth but does not cross it. NASA JPL has classified 2001 HH31 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.

2001 HH31 orbits the sun every 777 days (2.13 years), coming as close as 1.18 AU and reaching as far as 2.13 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2001 HH31 is probably between 0.774 to 1.730 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than ~97% of asteroids but small compared to large asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the Golden Gate Bridge.

The rotation of 2001 HH31 has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 3.66 hours.

No Close Approaches

2001 HH31's orbit is 0.29 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

2001 HH31's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Nov. 6, 1997. It was last officially observed on May 25, 2022. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 682 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 2001 HH31:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 1.654 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.289
  • Inclination: 12.85°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 71.61°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 275.97°
  • Mean Anomaly: 90.2°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~0.999 km
  • Magnitude: 17.68

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 777 days (2.13 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 23.16 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 2.13 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 1.18 AU
  • Rotation Period: 3.66 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

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Sky Map

The position of 159533 (2001 HH31) 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 above comparison is an artistic rendering that uses available data on the diameter of 2001 HH31 to create an approximate landscape rendering with Mount Everest in the background. This approximation is built for full-resolution desktop browsers. Shape, color, and texture of asteroid are imagined.