Key Facts

Overview

12920 (1998 VM15) is a large asteroid that orbits between Mars and Jupiter in the outer reaches of the main asteroid belt. NASA JPL has not classified 1998 VM15 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

1998 VM15 orbits the sun every 2,890 days (7.91 years), coming as close as 3.16 AU and reaching as far as 4.79 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 1998 VM15 is probably between 16.848 to 37.674 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the city of Indianapolis.

The rotation of 1998 VM15 has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 12.88 hours.

No Close Approaches

1998 VM15's orbit is 2.15 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

1998 VM15's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Nov. 28, 1951. It was last officially observed on March 18, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 3,640 observations used to determine its orbit.

Accessibility and Exploration

This asteroid 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 1998 VM15:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 3.975 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.2054
  • Inclination: 6.36°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 220.54°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 86.27°
  • Mean Anomaly: 113.49°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~21.751 km
  • Magnitude: 10.99

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 2,890 days (7.91 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 14.96 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 4.79 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 3.16 AU
  • Rotation Period: 12.88 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 12920 (1998 VM15) 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.