Key Facts

Overview

Comet C/1978 T1 (Seargent) is an object whose orbit does not match any defined comet orbit class. NASA JPL has not classified Seargent as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Seargent orbits the sun every 1,210,000 days (3,312.80 years), coming as close as 0.38 AU and reaching as far as 443.42 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.

No Close Approaches

Seargent's orbit is 0.60 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

Seargent's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Oct. 2, 1978. It was last officially observed on Dec. 3, 1978. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 33 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: 2443796.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 221.9 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.9983
  • Inclination: 67.83°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 41.77°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 207.76°
  • Mean Anomaly: 0.01°

Physical Characteristics

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 1,210,000 days (3,312.80 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 2.00 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 443.42 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 0.38 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of C/1978 T1 (Seargent) 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.