Key Facts

Overview

8559 (1995 QM2) is a mid-sized asteroid orbiting between Mars and Jupiter in the main portion of the asteroid belt. NASA JPL has not classified 1995 QM2 as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

1995 QM2 orbits the sun every 1,690 days (4.63 years), coming as close as 2.50 AU and reaching as far as 3.05 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 1995 QM2 is probably between 5.477 to 12.247 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the San Francisco Bay.

The rotation of 1995 QM2 has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 4.07 hours.

No Close Approaches

1995 QM2's orbit is 1.49 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

1995 QM2's orbit is determined by observations dating back to March 7, 1989. It was last officially observed on June 23, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 2,917 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 1995 QM2:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2460200.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 2.772 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.0985
  • Inclination: 4.57°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 108.99°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 217.61°
  • Mean Anomaly: 38.93°

Physical Characteristics

  • Diameter: ~7.071 km
  • Magnitude: 13.43

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 1,690 days (4.63 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 17.84 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 3.05 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 2.50 AU
  • Rotation Period: 4.07 hours

Map Comparison

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Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 8559 (1995 QM2) 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.