Key Facts

Overview

Comet P/2020 B4 (Sheppard) is an object whose orbit is approximately between Jupiter and Neptune. NASA JPL has not classified Sheppard as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Sheppard orbits the sun every 8,220 days (22.51 years), coming as close as 6.44 AU and reaching as far as 9.51 AU from the sun.

No Close Approaches

Sheppard's orbit is 5.45 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

Sheppard's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Jan. 15, 2018. It was last officially observed on April 9, 2022. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 20 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 Sheppard:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2459004.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 7.974 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.1925
  • Inclination: 11.6°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 186.0°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 342.46°
  • Mean Anomaly: 336.39°

Physical Characteristics

  • Magnitude: 7.6

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 8,220 days (22.51 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 10.55 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 9.51 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 6.44 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of P/2020 B4 (Sheppard) 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.