Key Facts

Overview

Comet 238P/Read is an object whose orbit brings it closer to the sun than Jupiter. NASA JPL has not classified 238P/Read as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

238P/Read orbits the sun every 2,060 days (5.64 years), coming as close as 2.37 AU and reaching as far as 3.96 AU from the sun.

No Close Approaches

238P/Read's orbit is 1.37 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

238P/Read's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Nov. 22, 2005. It was last officially observed on Dec. 24, 2022. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 117 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 238P/Read:

References

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Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2459837.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 3.166 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.2517
  • Inclination: 1.26°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 51.63°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 324.21°
  • Mean Anomaly: 17.77°

Physical Characteristics

  • Magnitude: 8.3

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 2,060 days (5.64 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 16.72 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 3.96 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 2.37 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of 238P/Read 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.