Key Facts

Overview

24952 (1997 QJ4) is a large asteroid whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 1997 QJ4 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

1997 QJ4 orbits the sun every 91,500 days (250.51 years), coming as close as 30.48 AU and reaching as far as 49.00 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 1997 QJ4 is probably between 82.140 to 183.671 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the U.S. state of Delaware.

No Close Approaches

1997 QJ4's orbit is 29.50 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

1997 QJ4's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Aug. 28, 1997. It was last officially observed on Nov. 28, 2022. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 105 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 1997 QJ4:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 39.74 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.2329
  • Inclination: 16.55°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 346.73°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 81.4°
  • Mean Anomaly: 349.44°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~106.042 km
  • Magnitude: 7.55

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 91,500 days (250.51 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.72 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 49.00 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 30.48 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 24952 (1997 QJ4) 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.