Key Facts

Overview

Comet C/1984 A1 (Bradfield 1) is an object with a medium-length orbit that is highly inclined to the ecliptic plane of the solar system. NASA JPL has not classified Bradfield 1 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Bradfield 1 orbits the sun every 55,500 days (151.95 years), coming as close as 1.36 AU and reaching as far as 55.58 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.

No Close Approaches

Bradfield 1's orbit is 0.48 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

Bradfield 1's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Jan. 9, 1984. It was last officially observed on May 30, 1984. 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: 2445755.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 28.47 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.9523
  • Inclination: 51.8°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 356.86°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 219.16°
  • Mean Anomaly: 0.38°

Physical Characteristics

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 55,500 days (151.95 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 5.58 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 55.58 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 1.36 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of C/1984 A1 (Bradfield 1) 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.