Key Facts

Overview

2020 KE55 is a large asteroid whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 2020 KE55 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

2020 KE55 orbits the sun every 118,000 days (323.07 years), coming as close as 42.59 AU and reaching as far as 51.69 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2020 KE55 is probably between 22.210 to 49.664 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the city of Indianapolis.

No Close Approaches

2020 KE55's orbit is 41.60 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

2020 KE55's orbit is determined by observations dating back to May 29, 2020. It was last officially observed on Aug. 14, 2020. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 12 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 2020 KE55:

References

Search

   or view a random object

Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2459036.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 47.14 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.0965
  • Inclination: 2.97°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 152.51°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 157.07°
  • Mean Anomaly: 340.31°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~28.673 km
  • Magnitude: 10.39

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 118,000 days (323.07 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.35 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 51.69 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 42.59 AU

Map Comparison

Click to load map

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 2020 KE55 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.