C/2015 T5 (Sheppard-Tholen)

Chiron-type Comet

Space Reference » Chiron-type Comets » C/2015 T5 (Sheppard-Tholen)

Key Facts

Overview

Comet C/2015 T5 (Sheppard-Tholen) is an object whose orbit is approximately between Jupiter and Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified Sheppard-Tholen as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Sheppard-Tholen orbits the sun every 54,000 days (147.84 years), coming as close as 9.34 AU and reaching as far as 46.60 AU from the sun.

No Close Approaches

Sheppard-Tholen's orbit is 8.35 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-Tholen's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Oct. 13, 2015. It was last officially observed on Nov. 4, 2016. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 22 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 Sheppard-Tholen:

References

Search

   or view a random object

Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2457376.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 27.97 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.6661
  • Inclination: 11.05°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 311.19°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 61.84°
  • Mean Anomaly: 359.76°

Physical Characteristics

  • Magnitude: 7.7

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 54,000 days (147.84 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 5.63 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 46.60 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 9.34 AU

Orbit Simulation

⧉

Sky Map

The position of C/2015 T5 (Sheppard-Tholen) 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.