Astronomy:2009 VA

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2009 VA
Discovery
Discovered byCatalina Sky Survey
Discovery date6 November 2009
Designations
none
Minor planet categoryApollo (NEO)
Orbital characteristics[1]
Epoch 6 November 2009 (JD 2455141.5)
Uncertainty parameter 8
|{{{apsis}}}|helion}}1.9382 astronomical unit|AU (289.95 Gm)
|{{{apsis}}}|helion}}0.91768 AU (137.283 Gm)
1.4280 AU (213.63 Gm)
Eccentricity0.35735
Orbital period1.71 yr (623.26 d)
Mean anomaly338.95°
Mean motion0° 34m 39.396s /day
Inclination7.5411°
Longitude of ascending node224.54°
223.99°
Earth MOID0.000130811 AU (19,569.0 km)
Jupiter MOID3.30322 AU (494.155 Gm)
Physical characteristics
Dimensions7 m
Absolute magnitude (H)28.6


2009 VA is an asteroid that came within 14,000 kilometres (8,700 mi) of Earth on 6 November 2009 making it the third closest non-impacting approach of a cataloged asteroid.[2]

The trajectory of the object as it passed Earth

With a diameter of only 7 metres (23 ft), scientists think that even if it had been on a direct collision course with Earth, it would have likely burned up in the atmosphere.[3] The space rock made its pass by Earth just fifteen hours after its discovery.[4]

The asteroid was first discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey at the University of Arizona. It was determined that the object would make a pass well within the orbit of the Moon, but would not strike Earth. The object passed so close to Earth that its orbit was modified by Earth's gravity.[4]

See also

  • 2008 TC3
  • 2010 RF12, 2010 RX30, 2010 TD54 - a similar-sized asteroids that passed Earth in 2010
  • List of notable asteroids#Record-setting close approaches to Earth for other, closer approaches
  • List of asteroid close approaches to Earth in 2009

References

External links