C/2013 P4 (PANSTARRS)

Chiron-type Comet

Space Reference » Chiron-type Comets » C/2013 P4 (PANSTARRS)

Key Facts

Overview

Comet C/2013 P4 (PANSTARRS) is an object whose orbit is approximately between Jupiter and Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified PANSTARRS as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

PANSTARRS orbits the sun every 20,700 days (56.67 years), coming as close as 5.97 AU and reaching as far as 23.57 AU from the sun.

No Close Approaches

PANSTARRS's orbit is 4.97 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

PANSTARRS's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Aug. 15, 2013. It was last officially observed on Nov. 14, 2015. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 229 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 PANSTARRS:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2456851.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 14.77 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.5961
  • Inclination: 4.26°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 256.61°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 113.56°
  • Mean Anomaly: 359.47°

Physical Characteristics

  • Magnitude: 6.9

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 20,700 days (56.67 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 7.76 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 23.57 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 5.97 AU

Orbit Simulation

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Sky Map

The position of C/2013 P4 (PANSTARRS) 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.