Key Facts

Overview

Comet C/2019 Y4-D (ATLAS) is an object with a medium-length orbit that is highly inclined to the ecliptic plane of the solar system. NASA JPL has classified ATLAS 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.

ATLAS orbits the sun every 39,300 days (107.60 years), coming as close as 0.26 AU and reaching as far as 45.02 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.

No Close Approaches

ATLAS's orbit is 0.63 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

ATLAS's orbit is determined by observations dating back to April 9, 2020. It was last officially observed on April 17, 2020. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 76 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: 2458952.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 22.64 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.9887
  • Inclination: 44.82°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 120.58°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 177.8°
  • Mean Anomaly: 359.56°

Physical Characteristics

  • Magnitude: 13.4

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 39,300 days (107.60 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 6.27 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 45.02 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 0.26 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of C/2019 Y4-D (ATLAS) 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.