Key Facts

Overview

162046 (1996 RQ31) is a mid-sized asteroid that shares Jupiter's orbit around the sun. NASA JPL has not classified 1996 RQ31 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

1996 RQ31 orbits the sun every 4,330 days (11.85 years), coming as close as 4.85 AU and reaching as far as 5.54 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 1996 RQ31 is probably between 6.033 to 13.491 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the San Francisco Bay.

No Close Approaches

1996 RQ31's orbit is 3.87 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

1996 RQ31's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Sept. 13, 1996. It was last officially observed on April 9, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 487 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 1996 RQ31:

References

Search

   or view a random object

Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 5.197 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.066
  • Inclination: 2.9°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 141.03°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 307.89°
  • Mean Anomaly: 24.32°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~7.789 km
  • Magnitude: 13.22

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 4,330 days (11.85 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 13.06 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 5.54 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 4.85 AU

Map Comparison

Click to load map

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 162046 (1996 RQ31) 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.