Key Facts

Overview

15875 (1996 TP66) is a large asteroid whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 1996 TP66 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

1996 TP66 orbits the sun every 91,200 days (249.69 years), coming as close as 26.36 AU and reaching as far as 52.94 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 1996 TP66 is probably between 89.651 to 200.466 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the U.S. state of Delaware.

No Close Approaches

1996 TP66's orbit is 25.40 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

1996 TP66's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Oct. 11, 1996. It was last officially observed on Jan. 11, 2021. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 155 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 1996 TP66:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 39.65 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.3351
  • Inclination: 5.69°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 316.73°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 75.63°
  • Mean Anomaly: 33.47°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~115.739 km
  • Magnitude: 7.36

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 91,200 days (249.69 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.73 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 52.94 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 26.36 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 15875 (1996 TP66) 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.