Key Facts

Overview

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

Lempo orbits the sun every 91,700 days (251.06 years), coming as close as 30.57 AU and reaching as far as 49.05 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, Lempo 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 Lempo has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 6.21 hours.

No Close Approaches

Lempo's orbit is 29.60 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

Lempo's orbit is determined by observations dating back to June 18, 1974. It was last officially observed on Feb. 27, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 846 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 Lempo:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 39.81 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.2321
  • Inclination: 8.41°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 97.13°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 295.25°
  • Mean Anomaly: 11.78°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~352.760 km
  • Magnitude: 4.94

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 91,700 days (251.06 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.72 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 49.05 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 30.57 AU
  • Rotation Period: 6.21 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of Lempo 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.