Key Facts

Overview

Echeclus is a large asteroid with an orbit between Jupiter and Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified Echeclus as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Echeclus orbits the sun every 12,900 days (35.32 years), coming as close as 5.84 AU and reaching as far as 15.66 AU from the sun. Echeclus is about 59.0 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, comparable in size to the U.S. state of Rhode Island.

The rotation of Echeclus has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 26.80 hours.

No Close Approaches

Echeclus's orbit is 4.83 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

Echeclus's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Sept. 23, 1979. It was last officially observed on Feb. 9, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 4,418 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 Echeclus:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 10.75 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.4565
  • Inclination: 4.34°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 173.19°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 163.48°
  • Mean Anomaly: 85.62°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: 59.00000 km
  • Magnitude: 9.2
  • Albedo: 0.077

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 12,900 days (35.32 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 9.07 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 15.66 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 5.84 AU
  • Rotation Period: 26.80 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of Echeclus 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.