Key Facts

Overview

55565 (2002 AW197) is a dwarf planet whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 2002 AW197 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

2002 AW197 orbits the sun every 118,000 days (323.07 years), coming as close as 41.08 AU and reaching as far as 52.88 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2002 AW197 is probably between 537.718 to 1202.375 kilometers in diameter, making it one of the largest objects, very roughly comparable in size to France.

The rotation of 2002 AW197 has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 8.86 hours.

No Close Approaches

2002 AW197's orbit is 40.10 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

2002 AW197's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Dec. 29, 1997. It was last officially observed on March 16, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 559 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 2002 AW197:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 46.98 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.1255
  • Inclination: 24.39°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 297.48°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 297.2°
  • Mean Anomaly: 298.09°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~694.192 km
  • Magnitude: 3.47

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 118,000 days (323.07 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.33 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 52.88 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 41.08 AU
  • Rotation Period: 8.86 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 55565 (2002 AW197) 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.