Key Facts

Overview

33340 (1998 VG44) is a large asteroid whose orbit extends beyond the orbit of Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified 1998 VG44 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

1998 VG44 orbits the sun every 90,200 days (246.95 years), coming as close as 29.34 AU and reaching as far as 49.36 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 1998 VG44 is probably between 133.830 to 299.254 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the U.S. state of Massachusetts.

No Close Approaches

1998 VG44's orbit is 28.40 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

1998 VG44's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Nov. 14, 1998. It was last officially observed on Jan. 13, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 169 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 1998 VG44:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 39.35 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.2544
  • Inclination: 3.04°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 127.94°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 323.81°
  • Mean Anomaly: 14.49°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~172.774 km
  • Magnitude: 6.49

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 90,200 days (246.95 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 4.75 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 49.36 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 29.34 AU

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 33340 (1998 VG44) 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.