P/2015 M2 (PANSTARRS)

Key Facts

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

Overview

Comet P/2015 M2 (PANSTARRS) is an object whose orbit is approximately between Jupiter and Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified PANSTARRS as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

PANSTARRS orbits the sun every 7,060 days (19.33 years), coming as close as 5.91 AU and reaching as far as 8.49 AU from the sun.

No Close Approaches

PANSTARRS's orbit is 4.90 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

PANSTARRS's orbit is determined by observations dating back to June 22, 2015. It was last officially observed on Nov. 11, 2017. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 152 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 PANSTARRS:

• 576525 (2012 TQ67)
• 2016 DF2
• 269P/Jedicke

References

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

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of P/2015 M2 (PANSTARRS) 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.