Key Facts

Overview

587670 (2006 QE181) is a large asteroid whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 2006 QE181 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

2006 QE181 orbits the sun every 103,000 days (282.00 years), coming as close as 41.46 AU and reaching as far as 44.32 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2006 QE181 is probably between 77.724 to 173.796 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the U.S. state of Delaware.

No Close Approaches

2006 QE181's orbit is 40.50 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

2006 QE181's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Aug. 21, 2006. It was last officially observed on Sept. 12, 2018. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 53 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 2006 QE181:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 42.89 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.0333
  • Inclination: 2.11°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 103.75°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 255.86°
  • Mean Anomaly: 24.16°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~100.341 km
  • Magnitude: 7.67

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 103,000 days (282.00 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.53 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 44.32 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 41.46 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 587670 (2006 QE181) 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.