Key Facts

Overview

Comet C/2014 F3 (Sheppard-Trujillo) 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 Sheppard-Trujillo as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Sheppard-Trujillo orbits the sun every 23,500 days (64.34 years), coming as close as 5.71 AU and reaching as far as 26.37 AU from the sun.

No Close Approaches

Sheppard-Trujillo's orbit is 4.70 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

Sheppard-Trujillo's orbit is determined by observations dating back to March 26, 2014. It was last officially observed on Nov. 21, 2022. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 96 observations used to determine its orbit.

Accessibility and Exploration

This comet is not considered a viable target for human exploration by the NHATS study.

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2459038.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 16.04 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.6442
  • Inclination: 6.55°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 326.86°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 2.67°
  • Mean Anomaly: 355.21°

Physical Characteristics

  • Magnitude: 14.5

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 23,500 days (64.34 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 7.43 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 26.37 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 5.71 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of C/2014 F3 (Sheppard-Trujillo) 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.