Key Facts

Overview

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

Ixion orbits the sun every 90,800 days (248.60 years), coming as close as 29.77 AU and reaching as far as 49.29 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, Ixion is probably between 537.718 to 1202.375 kilometers in diameter, making it one of the largest objects, very roughly comparable in size to France.

No Close Approaches

Ixion's orbit is 28.80 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

Ixion's orbit is determined by observations dating back to July 17, 1982. It was last officially observed on June 2, 2022. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 197 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 Ixion:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 39.53 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.2469
  • Inclination: 19.67°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 71.09°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 299.89°
  • Mean Anomaly: 292.05°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~694.192 km
  • Magnitude: 3.47

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 90,800 days (248.60 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.74 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 49.29 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 29.77 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of Ixion 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.