Key Facts

Overview

Comet C/1942 EA (Vaisala) is an object with a medium-length orbit that is highly inclined to the ecliptic plane of the solar system. NASA JPL has classified Vaisala as a "Near Earth Asteroid" due to its orbit's proximity to Earth, but it is not considered potentially hazardous because computer simulations have not indicated any imminent likelihood of future collision.

Vaisala orbits the sun every 31,200 days (85.42 years), coming as close as 1.29 AU and reaching as far as 37.51 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.

No Close Approaches

Orbital simulations conducted by NASA JPL's CNEOS do not show any close approaches to Earth.

Images and Observations

Vaisala's orbit is determined by observations dating back to March 11, 1942. It was last officially observed on April 17, 1942. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 34 observations used to determine its orbit.

Accessibility and Exploration

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

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2430406.3 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 19.4 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.9336
  • Inclination: 38.0°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 172.29°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 335.22°
  • Mean Anomaly: 0.0°

Physical Characteristics

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 31,200 days (85.42 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 6.76 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 37.51 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 1.29 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of C/1942 EA (Vaisala) 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.