Key Facts

Overview

Albion is a large asteroid whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified Albion as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Albion orbits the sun every 108,000 days (295.69 years), coming as close as 40.94 AU and reaching as far as 47.70 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, Albion is probably between 97.399 to 217.791 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the U.S. state of Connecticut.

No Close Approaches

Albion's orbit is 39.90 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

Albion's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Aug. 30, 1992. It was last officially observed on Dec. 26, 2022. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 96 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 Albion:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 44.32 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.0763
  • Inclination: 2.18°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 359.31°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 6.27°
  • Mean Anomaly: 32.82°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~125.742 km
  • Magnitude: 7.18

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 108,000 days (295.69 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.46 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 47.70 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 40.94 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of Albion 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.