Key Facts

Overview

2018 VG18 is a dwarf planet whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 2018 VG18 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

2018 VG18 orbits the sun every 271,000 days (741.96 years), coming as close as 38.91 AU and reaching as far as 125.01 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 2018 VG18 is probably between 433.067 to 968.367 kilometers in diameter, making it one of the largest objects, very roughly comparable in size to Japan.

No Close Approaches

2018 VG18's orbit is 37.90 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

2018 VG18's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Nov. 21, 2003. It was last officially observed on Jan. 16, 2020. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 34 observations used to determine its orbit.

Accessibility and Exploration

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

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 81.96 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.5253
  • Inclination: 24.14°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 245.26°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 17.36°
  • Mean Anomaly: 158.67°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~559.087 km
  • Magnitude: 3.94

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 271,000 days (741.96 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 3.29 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 125.01 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 38.91 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 2018 VG18 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.