C/2016 Q4 (Kowalski)

Key Facts

• Categorized as a Chiron-type Comet
• Not a Near Earth Object
• Not a Potentially Hazardous Object
• See orbit simulation

Overview

Comet C/2016 Q4 (Kowalski) is an object whose orbit is approximately between Jupiter and Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified Kowalski as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Kowalski orbits the sun every 25,100 days (68.72 years), coming as close as 7.08 AU and reaching as far as 26.52 AU from the sun.

No Close Approaches

Kowalski's orbit is 6.09 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

Kowalski's orbit is determined by observations dating back to July 11, 2016. It was last officially observed on Oct. 20, 2017. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 80 observations used to determine its orbit.

Accessibility and Exploration

This comet 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 Kowalski:

• 2008 RG167

References

• JPL Small Body Database
• Mission Design
• Sky Finder Chart

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of C/2016 Q4 (Kowalski) 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.