Key Facts

Overview

Comet C/2012 BJ98 (Lemmon) 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 Lemmon as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Lemmon orbits the sun every 25,800 days (70.64 years), coming as close as 2.16 AU and reaching as far as 31.98 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.

No Close Approaches

Lemmon's orbit is 1.16 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

Lemmon's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Dec. 29, 2011. It was last officially observed on Jan. 22, 2013. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 155 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 Lemmon:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2456027.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 17.07 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.8736
  • Inclination: 2.64°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 124.03°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 72.97°
  • Mean Anomaly: 357.72°

Physical Characteristics

  • Magnitude: 8.0

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 25,800 days (70.64 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 7.20 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 31.98 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 2.16 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of C/2012 BJ98 (Lemmon) 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.