Key Facts

Overview

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

Lidov orbits the sun every 2,330 days (6.38 years), coming as close as 3.31 AU and reaching as far as 3.58 AU from the sun. Lidov is about 32.9 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, comparable in size to the city of New York.

The rotation of Lidov has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 422.93 hours.

No Close Approaches

Lidov's orbit is 2.32 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

Lidov's orbit is determined by observations dating back to April 3, 1934. It was last officially observed on June 16, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 4,399 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 Lidov:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 3.442 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.0398
  • Inclination: 7.27°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 348.57°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 145.22°
  • Mean Anomaly: 30.26°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: 32.88000 km
  • Magnitude: 11.5
  • Albedo: 0.048

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 2,330 days (6.38 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 16.07 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 3.58 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 3.31 AU
  • Rotation Period: 422.93 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of Lidov 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.