Comet P/2011 NO1 (Elenin) is an object whose orbit features a relatively short period, low inclination, and is controlled by Jupiter's gravitational effects. NASA JPL has classified Elenin as a "Near Earth Asteroid" due to its orbit's proximity to Earth, but it is not considered potentially hazardous because computer simulations have not indicated any imminent likelihood of future collision.
Elenin orbits the sun every 4,860 days (13.31 years), coming as close as 1.24 AU and reaching as far as 9.99 AU from the sun. Its orbit is highly elliptical.
Elenin's orbit is 0.38 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.
Elenin's orbit is determined by observations dating back to June 12, 2011. It was last officially observed on Aug. 2, 2011. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 60 observations used to determine its orbit.
The position of P/2011 NO1 (Elenin) 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.