Key Facts

Overview

Varda is a dwarf planet whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified Varda as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Varda orbits the sun every 113,000 days (309.38 years), coming as close as 39.04 AU and reaching as far as 52.34 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, Varda is probably between 540.200 to 1207.925 kilometers in diameter, making it one of the largest objects, very roughly comparable in size to France.

The rotation of Varda has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 5.91 hours.

No Close Approaches

Varda's orbit is 38.00 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

Varda's orbit is determined by observations dating back to March 19, 1980. It was last officially observed on June 4, 2021. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 332 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 Varda:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 45.69 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.1455
  • Inclination: 21.52°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 184.28°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 183.61°
  • Mean Anomaly: 275.53°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~697.396 km
  • Magnitude: 3.46

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 113,000 days (309.38 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.40 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 52.34 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 39.04 AU
  • Rotation Period: 5.91 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of Varda 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.