Key Facts

Overview

Comet C/1989 A3 (Bradfield) is an object with a medium-length orbit that is highly inclined to the ecliptic plane of the solar system. NASA JPL has classified Bradfield 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.

Bradfield orbits the sun every 30,700 days (84.05 years), coming as close as 0.42 AU and reaching as far as 37.98 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.

No Close Approaches

Bradfield's orbit is 0.57 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

Bradfield's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Jan. 7, 1989. It was last officially observed on March 1, 1989. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 23 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: 2447551.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 19.2 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.9781
  • Inclination: 83.06°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 28.44°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 194.77°
  • Mean Anomaly: 0.59°

Physical Characteristics

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 30,700 days (84.05 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 6.80 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 37.98 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 0.42 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of C/1989 A3 (Bradfield) 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.