C/2020 M5 (ATLAS)

Key Facts

• Categorized as a Unclassified Comet
• Not a Near Earth Object
• Not a Potentially Hazardous Object
• See orbit simulation

Overview

Comet C/2020 M5 (ATLAS) is an object whose orbit does not match any defined comet orbit class. NASA JPL has not classified ATLAS as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

ATLAS orbits the sun every 5,240,000,000 days (14,346,338.12 years), coming as close as 5.90 AU and reaching as far as 117994.10 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.

No Close Approaches

ATLAS's orbit is 2.33 AU from Earth's orbit at its closest point. This means that there is an extremely 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 Aug. 10, 2019. It was last officially observed on Feb. 27, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 1,605 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

• JPL Small Body Database
• Mission Design
• Sky Finder Chart

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of C/2020 M5 (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.