Key Facts

Overview

19299 (1996 SZ4) is a large asteroid whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 1996 SZ4 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

1996 SZ4 orbits the sun every 92,000 days (251.88 years), coming as close as 29.37 AU and reaching as far as 50.43 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 1996 SZ4 is probably between 53.772 to 120.238 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the U.S. state of Rhode Island.

No Close Approaches

1996 SZ4's orbit is 28.40 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 SZ4's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Sept. 16, 1996. It was last officially observed on Jan. 30, 2020. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 73 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 SZ4:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 39.9 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.264
  • Inclination: 4.73°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 15.84°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 30.43°
  • Mean Anomaly: 17.79°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~69.419 km
  • Magnitude: 8.47

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 92,000 days (251.88 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.72 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 50.43 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 29.37 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 19299 (1996 SZ4) 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.