C/2019 L1 (PANSTARRS)

Key Facts

• Categorized as a Jupiter-family Comet
• Not a Near Earth Object
• Not a Potentially Hazardous Object
• See orbit simulation

Overview

Comet C/2019 L1 (PANSTARRS) 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 PANSTARRS as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

PANSTARRS orbits the sun every 11,300 days (30.94 years), coming as close as 2.89 AU and reaching as far as 16.81 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.

No Close Approaches

PANSTARRS's orbit is 1.89 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 May 30, 2019. It was last officially observed on Oct. 31, 2019. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 103 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

• JPL Small Body Database
• Mission Design
• Sky Finder Chart

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of C/2019 L1 (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.