Key Facts

Overview

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

Merapi orbits the sun every 2,390 days (6.54 years), coming as close as 3.19 AU and reaching as far as 3.80 AU from the sun. Merapi is about 147.1 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, comparable in size to the U.S. state of Connecticut.

The rotation of Merapi has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 8.79 hours.

No Close Approaches

Merapi's orbit is 2.24 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

Merapi's orbit is determined by observations dating back to May 13, 1904. It was last officially observed on July 1, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 4,865 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 Merapi:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 3.494 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.0876
  • Inclination: 19.43°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 59.2°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 296.13°
  • Mean Anomaly: 333.77°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: 147.06600 km
  • Magnitude: 8.17
  • Albedo: 0.048
  • Spectral type (Tholen): X

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 2,390 days (6.54 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 15.90 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 3.80 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 3.19 AU
  • Rotation Period: 8.79 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of Merapi 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.