Key Facts

Overview

504555 (2008 SO266) is a large asteroid whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 2008 SO266 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

2008 SO266 orbits the sun every 91,600 days (250.79 years), coming as close as 29.97 AU and reaching as far as 49.57 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2008 SO266 is probably between 140.138 to 313.357 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the U.S. state of Maryland.

No Close Approaches

2008 SO266's orbit is 29.00 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

2008 SO266's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Sept. 24, 2008. It was last officially observed on Nov. 23, 2022. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 350 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 2008 SO266:

References

Search

   or view a random object

Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 39.77 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.2465
  • Inclination: 18.78°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 158.65°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 174.42°
  • Mean Anomaly: 47.26°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~180.917 km
  • Magnitude: 6.39

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 91,600 days (250.79 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.72 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 49.57 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 29.97 AU

Map Comparison

Click to load map

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 504555 (2008 SO266) 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.