Key Facts

Overview

Comet P/1996 R2 (Lagerkvist) is an object whose orbit features a relatively short period, low inclination, and is controlled by Jupiter's gravitational effects. NASA JPL has not classified Lagerkvist as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Lagerkvist orbits the sun every 2,690 days (7.36 years), coming as close as 2.61 AU and reaching as far as 4.95 AU from the sun.

No Close Approaches

Lagerkvist's orbit is 1.61 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

Lagerkvist's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Aug. 12, 1996. It was last officially observed on Jan. 12, 1997. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 137 observations used to determine its orbit.

Accessibility and Exploration

This comet is not considered a viable target for human exploration by the NHATS study.

Similar Objects

These objects have orbits that share similar characteristics to the orbit of Lagerkvist:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2450364.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 3.782 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.31
  • Inclination: 2.61°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 40.24°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 334.04°
  • Mean Anomaly: 346.17°

Physical Characteristics

  • Magnitude: 6.9

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 2,690 days (7.36 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 15.30 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 4.95 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 2.61 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of P/1996 R2 (Lagerkvist) 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.