Key Facts

Overview

33128 (1998 BU48) is a large asteroid whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 1998 BU48 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

1998 BU48 orbits the sun every 69,800 days (191.10 years), coming as close as 20.35 AU and reaching as far as 45.97 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 1998 BU48 is probably between 108.781 to 243.243 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the U.S. state of Connecticut.

The rotation of 1998 BU48 has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 12.60 hours.

No Close Approaches

1998 BU48's orbit is 19.40 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

1998 BU48's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Jan. 22, 1998. It was last officially observed on March 6, 2022. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 212 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

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 33.16 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.3864
  • Inclination: 14.26°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 132.81°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 281.86°
  • Mean Anomaly: 86.56°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~140.436 km
  • Magnitude: 6.94

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 69,800 days (191.10 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 5.17 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 45.97 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 20.35 AU
  • Rotation Period: 12.60 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 33128 (1998 BU48) 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.