Key Facts

Overview

Comet C/2002 A1 (LINEAR) is an object whose orbit features a relatively short period, low inclination, and is controlled by Jupiter's gravitational effects. NASA JPL has not classified LINEAR as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

LINEAR orbits the sun every 26,000 days (71.18 years), coming as close as 4.71 AU and reaching as far as 29.65 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.

No Close Approaches

LINEAR's orbit is 3.73 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

LINEAR's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Dec. 13, 2001. It was last officially observed on March 31, 2004. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 124 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 LINEAR:

References

Search

   or view a random object

Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2452431.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 17.18 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.7258
  • Inclination: 14.06°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 81.81°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 18.91°
  • Mean Anomaly: 2.64°

Physical Characteristics

  • Magnitude: 8.2

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 26,000 days (71.18 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 7.19 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 29.65 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 4.71 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of C/2002 A1 (LINEAR) 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.