C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein)

Key Facts

• Categorized as a Unclassified Comet
• Not a Near Earth Object
• Not a Potentially Hazardous Object
• See orbit simulation

Overview

Comet C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein) is an object whose orbit does not match any defined comet orbit class. NASA JPL has not classified Bernardinelli-Bernstein as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.

Bernardinelli-Bernstein orbits the sun every 260,000,000 days (711,841.20 years), coming as close as 11.15 AU and reaching as far as 15914.85 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.

No Close Approaches

Bernardinelli-Bernstein's orbit is 10.10 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

Bernardinelli-Bernstein's orbit is determined by observations dating back to Aug. 14, 2014. It was last officially observed on July 30, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 368 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

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

Orbit Simulation

Sky Map

The position of C/2014 UN271 (Bernardinelli-Bernstein) 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.