Skip Navigation

Small-Body Database Lookup

parameter "sstr" contains one or more BAD character

Enter the IAU number, designation, name or SPK-ID for the object of interest in the search form above. For example, to display information about asteroid 433 Eros, enter either 433 or eros, not both (names are not case-sensitive).

This tool provides access to data related to the user-specified asteroid or comet. Specifically,

  • orbital elements
  • orbit diagrams
  • physical parameters *
  • close approach details *
  • radar astrometry *
  • discovery circumstances *
  • alternate designations *

Entries above marked with * are only provided when available for the specified object.

[ show instructions ]

Instructions

The search form recognizes IAU numbers, designations, names, and JPL SPK-ID numbers. When searching for a particular asteroid or comet, it is best to use either the IAU number, as in 433 for asteroid “433 Eros”, or the primary designation as in 1998 SF36 for asteroid “25143 (1998 SF36)”. However, using the asteroid/comet name will also work, as in Ceres for asteroid “1 Ceres”. Although the search engine can handle 433 Eros, it is faster to use either the IAU number or the name — not both. Using both requires a search for both the number and name which must match internally in the database. If the number and name do not match (e.g., 344 Eros), you may scratch your head for a while wondering why until you notice the typo “344”. If the object you want is numbered and you know its IAU number, use it because a search for IAU number will be the fastest (and unabiguous).

Searches are not case-sensitive. That means a seach for 1999 AN10 will be the same as a search for 1999 an10. Similarly, a search for linear is the same as a search for LINEAR. Furthermore, for designations, the space can be omitted so a search for 1999an10 is identical to 1999 AN10.

If you don’t remember the object’s number, name, or designation but you remember a part of the designation, you can use the wild-card * to assist. For example, suppose you remember some asteroid having a designation of ”#### XF11” but you don’t remember the “####” part. You can search for * XF11 (note the space between * and XF11) and you will see a list of matching designations at which point you might recognize the correct year (e.g., “1997 XF11”). Wild-card * matches zero or more characters (including spaces). For example, a search for 2000 PH* will match “2000 PH”, “2000 PH3” and “2000 PH24” among others.

Wild-card searches are slow and should be avoided when possible. Searching for a* is probably a waste of your time. However, a search for Machholz* might help in case you don’t remember which Comet Machholz you wanted.

[ show less ]

Search string "" matched the following record(s):

Select from the list below to be redirected to JPL's Solar System Dynamics website.

Classification:       SPKID:       Related Links: Ephemeris

Osculating Orbital Elements

Epoch () TDB
Reference: (heliocentric IAU76/J2000 ecliptic)
Element Value Uncertainty (1-sigma) Units

Miscellaneous Details