Key Facts

Overview

Comet 321P/SOHO is an object whose orbit features a relatively short period, low inclination, and is controlled by Jupiter's gravitational effects. NASA JPL has classified 321P/SOHO as a "Near Earth Asteroid" due to its orbit's proximity to Earth, but it is not considered potentially hazardous because computer simulations have not indicated any imminent likelihood of future collision.

321P/SOHO orbits the sun every 1,380 days (3.78 years), coming as close as 0.05 AU and reaching as far as 4.81 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.

No Close Approaches

321P/SOHO's orbit is 0.09 AU from Earth's orbit at its closest point. This means that there is a 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

321P/SOHO's orbit is determined by observations dating back to May 1, 1997. It was last officially observed on June 30, 2012. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 91 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 321P/SOHO:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2453458.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 2.427 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.9807
  • Inclination: 19.74°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 165.27°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 172.41°
  • Mean Anomaly: 28.99°

Physical Characteristics

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 1,380 days (3.78 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 19.13 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 4.81 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 0.05 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 321P/SOHO 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.