C/1979 Y1 (Bradfield)

Unclassified Comet

Space Reference » Unclassified Comets » C/1979 Y1 (Bradfield)

Key Facts

Overview

Comet C/1979 Y1 (Bradfield) is an object whose orbit does not match any defined comet orbit class. NASA JPL has not classified Bradfield as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Bradfield orbits the sun every 112,000 days (306.64 years), coming as close as 0.55 AU and reaching as far as 90.63 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.

No Close Approaches

Bradfield's orbit is 0.07 AU from Earth's orbit at its closest point. This means that there is a 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

Bradfield's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Dec. 26, 1979. It was last officially observed on March 10, 1980. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 127 observations used to determine its orbit.

Accessibility and Exploration

This comet 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 Bradfield:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2444263.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 45.59 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.988
  • Inclination: 148.6°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 103.22°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 257.61°
  • Mean Anomaly: 0.11°

Physical Characteristics

  • Magnitude: 8.5

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 112,000 days (306.64 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.43 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 90.63 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 0.55 AU

Orbit Simulation

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Sky Map

The position of C/1979 Y1 (Bradfield) 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.