Key Facts

Overview

Comet C/1894 G1 (Gale) is an object whose orbit does not match any defined comet orbit class. NASA JPL has not classified Gale as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Gale orbits the sun every 313,000 days (856.95 years), coming as close as 0.98 AU and reaching as far as 179.42 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.

No Close Approaches

Gale's orbit is 0.08 AU from Earth's orbit at its closest point. This means that there is a 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

Gale's orbit is determined by observations dating back to May 3, 1894. It was last officially observed on July 21, 1894. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 29 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

Search

   or view a random object

Orbital Elements

  • Epoch: 2412981.5 JD
  • Semi-major axis: 90.2 AU
  • Eccentricity: 0.9891
  • Inclination: 86.96°
  • Longitude of Ascending Node: 207.89°
  • Argument of Periapsis: 324.18°
  • Mean Anomaly: 0.06°

Physical Characteristics

Derived Characteristics

  • Orbit Period: 313,000 days (856.95 years)
  • Avg. Orbit Speed: 3.14 km/s
  • Aphelion Distance: 179.42 AU
  • Perihelion Distance: 0.98 AU

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of C/1894 G1 (Gale) 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.