2022 AB8

Mid-sized Trans-Neptunian Object

Space Reference » Trans-Neptunian Objects » 2022 AB8

Key Facts

Overview

2022 AB8 is a mid-sized asteroid whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 2022 AB8 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

2022 AB8 orbits the sun every 255,000 days (698.15 years), coming as close as 1.68 AU and reaching as far as 155.70 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2022 AB8 is probably between 1.266 to 2.832 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to Mount Everest.

No Close Approaches

2022 AB8's orbit is 1.27 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

2022 AB8's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Nov. 29, 2021. It was last officially observed on June 28, 2022. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 90 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 2022 AB8:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 78.69 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.9787
  • Inclination: 75.14°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 274.47°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 260.55°
  • Mean Anomaly: 0.68°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~1.635 km
  • Magnitude: 16.61

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 255,000 days (698.15 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 3.36 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 155.70 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 1.68 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

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Sky Map

The position of 2022 AB8 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.

Size Rendering

The above comparison is an artistic rendering that uses available data on the diameter of 2022 AB8 to create an approximate landscape rendering with Mount Everest in the background. This approximation is built for full-resolution desktop browsers. Shape, color, and texture of asteroid are imagined.