Key Facts

Overview

48639 (1995 TL8) is a dwarf planet whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 1995 TL8 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

1995 TL8 orbits the sun every 141,000 days (386.04 years), coming as close as 40.20 AU and reaching as far as 65.90 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 1995 TL8 is probably between 277.048 to 619.498 kilometers in diameter, making it one of the largest objects, very roughly comparable in size to the U.S. state of Mississippi.

No Close Approaches

1995 TL8's orbit is 39.20 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

1995 TL8's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Oct. 15, 1995. It was last officially observed on Nov. 25, 2022. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 329 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 1995 TL8:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 53.05 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.2423
  • Inclination: 0.24°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 260.56°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 85.8°
  • Mean Anomaly: 47.8°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~357.667 km
  • Magnitude: 4.91

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 141,000 days (386.04 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.09 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 65.90 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 40.20 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 48639 (1995 TL8) 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.