Key Facts

Overview

Comet 124P/Mrkos 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 124P/Mrkos as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

124P/Mrkos orbits the sun every 2,210 days (6.05 years), coming as close as 1.65 AU and reaching as far as 4.99 AU from the sun.

No Close Approaches

124P/Mrkos's orbit is 0.65 AU from Earth's orbit at its closest point. This means that there is a very 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

124P/Mrkos's orbit is determined by observations dating back to March 15, 1991. It was last officially observed on July 18, 2020. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 2,919 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 124P/Mrkos:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2456800.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 3.316 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.5039
  • Inclination: 31.53°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 0.41°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 183.71°
  • Mean Anomaly: 7.08°

Physical Characteristics

  • Magnitude: 16.5

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 2,210 days (6.05 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 16.32 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 4.99 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 1.65 AU

Orbit Simulation

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Sky Map

The position of 124P/Mrkos 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.