162015 (1994 TF2)

Key Facts

• Categorized as a Aten-class Asteroid
• Comparable in size to the Golden Gate Bridge
• Classified as a Near Earth Asteroid (NEA)
• Not a Potentially Hazardous Object
• See orbit simulation

Overview

162015 (1994 TF2) is a very small asteroid whose orbit could bring it in close proximity to Earth. NASA JPL has classified 1994 TF2 as a "Near Earth Asteroid" due to its orbit's proximity to Earth, but it is not considered potentially hazardous because computer simulations have not indicated any imminent likelihood of future collision.

1994 TF2 orbits the sun every 361 days (0.99 years), coming as close as 0.71 AU and reaching as far as 1.28 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 1994 TF2 is probably between 0.375 to 0.840 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 90% of asteroids but tiny compared to large asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the Golden Gate Bridge.

1994 TF2's spectral type None (Tholen) / Sr (SMASSII) indicates that it is likely to contain and .

No Close Approaches

1994 TF2's orbit is 0.25 AU from Earth's orbit at its closest point. This means that there is a 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

1994 TF2's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Oct. 5, 1994. It was last officially observed on Oct. 19, 2003. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 147 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 1994 TF2:

• 3362 Khufu (1984 QA)
• 3753 Cruithne (1986 TO)
• 5590 (1990 VA)

References

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

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 162015 (1994 TF2) 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.

Size Rendering

The below comparison is an artistic rendering that uses available data on the diameter of 1994 TF2 to create an approximate landscape rendering with New York City in the background. This approximation is built for full-resolution desktop browsers. Shape, color, and texture of asteroid are imagined.