Key Facts

Overview

523780 (2015 AN281) is a dwarf planet whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 2015 AN281 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

2015 AN281 orbits the sun every 98,400 days (269.40 years), coming as close as 35.82 AU and reaching as far as 47.60 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2015 AN281 is probably between 245.785 to 549.591 kilometers in diameter, making it one of the largest objects, very roughly comparable in size to South Korea.

No Close Approaches

2015 AN281's orbit is 34.80 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

2015 AN281's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Dec. 21, 2004. It was last officially observed on May 14, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 176 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 2015 AN281:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 41.71 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.1411
  • Inclination: 17.5°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 53.1°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 229.3°
  • Mean Anomaly: 268.79°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~317.307 km
  • Magnitude: 5.17

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 98,400 days (269.40 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.61 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 47.60 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 35.82 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 523780 (2015 AN281) 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.