Key Facts

Overview

315530 (2008 AP129) is a dwarf planet whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 2008 AP129 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

2008 AP129 orbits the sun every 98,500 days (269.68 years), coming as close as 35.86 AU and reaching as far as 47.62 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2008 AP129 is probably between 273.247 to 610.998 kilometers in diameter, making it one of the largest objects, very roughly comparable in size to the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.

The rotation of 2008 AP129 has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 9.04 hours.

No Close Approaches

2008 AP129's orbit is 34.90 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

2008 AP129's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Oct. 9, 1989. It was last officially observed on April 7, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 328 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 2008 AP129:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 41.74 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.1409
  • Inclination: 27.46°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 14.76°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 57.04°
  • Mean Anomaly: 57.25°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~352.760 km
  • Magnitude: 4.94

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 98,500 days (269.68 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.61 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 47.62 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 35.86 AU
  • Rotation Period: 9.04 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 315530 (2008 AP129) 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.