Key Facts

Overview

160427 (2005 RL43) is a large asteroid with an orbit between Jupiter and Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 2005 RL43 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

2005 RL43 orbits the sun every 44,700 days (122.38 years), coming as close as 23.56 AU and reaching as far as 25.72 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2005 RL43 is probably between 67.384 to 150.675 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

2005 RL43's orbit is 22.60 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

2005 RL43's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Sept. 28, 2003. It was last officially observed on Jan. 13, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 438 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 2005 RL43:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 24.64 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.0437
  • Inclination: 12.26°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 162.44°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 177.17°
  • Mean Anomaly: 88.53°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~86.992 km
  • Magnitude: 7.98

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 44,700 days (122.38 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 6.00 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 25.72 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 23.56 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 160427 (2005 RL43) 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.