(33340) 1998 VG44

Last updated
(33340) 1998 VG44
AnimatedOrbitOF333401998VG44.gif
Orbit diagram of its orbit.
Discovery
Discovered by J. A. Larsen
N. Danzel
A. Gleason
Discovery date14 November 1998
Designations
plutino [1]
Orbital characteristics [2]
Epoch 9 June 2026 (JD 2461200.5)
Uncertainty parameter 1
Observation arc 27.25 years
Aphelion 49.8 AU
Perihelion 29.38 AU
39.59 AU
Eccentricity 0.25786
249.1 yr (90986 d)
17.74°
0° 0m 14.357s / day
Inclination 3.034°
127.96°
324.79°
Uranus  MOID 10.38 AU (1.55 billion km) [3]
Neptune  MOID 0.054 AU (8.08 million km) [3] [a]
Physical characteristics
Dimensions 248 km (assumed)
0.09 (assumed)
6.4

(33340) 1998 VG44 is a trans-Neptunian object. It has a 2:3 orbital resonance with the planet Neptune, similar to Pluto, classifying it as a plutino. [1] Its average distance from the Sun is 39.6 AU with a perihelion of 29.4 AU and an aphelion at 49.8 AU. Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.26, and is inclined by 3°. The object is estimated to be about 248 km in diameter. It was discovered on 14 November 1998, by J. A. Larsen, Nicole M. Danzl and A. Gleason at the Steward Observatory.

Contents

Though it has a Neptune MOID of 0.054 AU (8.08 million km), [3] it can not get that close to Neptune because of the 3:2 resonance with Neptune.

Neptune MOID at different epochs
EpochNeptune MOID
2024-10-17 0.0097 AU (1.45 million km)
2026-06-09 [3] 0.054 AU (8.08 million km)

Notes

  1. ↑ A strong 3:2 resonance with Neptune prevents 1998 VG44 from getting this close.

References

  1. 1 2 Marc W. Buie. "Orbit Fit and Astrometric record for 33340". SwRI (Space Science Department). Retrieved 2026-11-02.
  2. ↑ "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 33340 (1998 VG44)". NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory . Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "(33340) 1998 VG44 Orbit". Minor Planet Center. Archived from the original on 2025-03-03. Retrieved 2026-11-02.
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