Key Facts

Overview

Sokolsky is a large asteroid that orbits between Mars and Jupiter in the outer reaches of the main asteroid belt. NASA JPL has not classified Sokolsky as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Sokolsky orbits the sun every 2,930 days (8.02 years), coming as close as 3.31 AU and reaching as far as 4.70 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, Sokolsky is probably between 16.389 to 36.647 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the city of Indianapolis.

The rotation of Sokolsky has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 6.73 hours.

No Close Approaches

Sokolsky's orbit is 2.30 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

Sokolsky's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Oct. 9, 1969. It was last officially observed on July 5, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 3,532 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 Sokolsky:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 4.005 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.173
  • Inclination: 6.05°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 185.77°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 122.69°
  • Mean Anomaly: 302.59°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~21.158 km
  • Magnitude: 11.05

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 2,930 days (8.02 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 14.87 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 4.70 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 3.31 AU
  • Rotation Period: 6.73 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of Sokolsky 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.