Key Facts

Overview

26181 (1996 GQ21) is a dwarf planet whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 1996 GQ21 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

1996 GQ21 orbits the sun every 323,000 days (884.33 years), coming as close as 38.24 AU and reaching as far as 145.86 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 1996 GQ21 is probably between 283.501 to 633.928 kilometers in diameter, making it one of the largest objects, very roughly comparable in size to the U.S. state of Mississippi.

No Close Approaches

1996 GQ21's orbit is 37.20 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 GQ21's orbit is determined by observations dating back to March 20, 1980. It was last officially observed on June 21, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 425 observations used to determine its orbit.

Accessibility and Exploration

This asteroid is not considered a viable target for human exploration by the NHATS study.

References

Search

   or view a random object

Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 92.05 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.5846
  • Inclination: 13.38°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 194.32°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 356.14°
  • Mean Anomaly: 13.89°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~365.999 km
  • Magnitude: 4.86

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 323,000 days (884.33 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 3.10 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 145.86 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 38.24 AU

Map Comparison

Click to load map

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 26181 (1996 GQ21) 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.