Written by: Astrophyzix Digital Observatory and Planetary Defence Research centre
Image: Copyright © Astrophyzix Science Network
Discovery & Designation
(500080) 2011 WV134 is a numbered near-Earth asteroid (NEA) first detected on 30 November 2011 by the Catalina Sky Survey, a NASA-funded asteroid detection program based in Arizona. Following confirmation and orbital refinement, the object received its permanent minor planet number 500080 from the International Astronomical Union Minor Planet Center (MPC).
The asteroid’s provisional designation “2011 WV134” follows the standard MPC naming convention, indicating discovery in the second half of November 2011.
Orbit & Classification
(500080) 2011 WV134 is classified as an Apollo-type near-Earth asteroid. Apollo asteroids are characterized by:
- Semi-major axis greater than 1 AU
- Orbits that cross Earth’s orbital path
- Perihelion distance less than 1.017 AU
According to the NASA JPL Small-Body Database, the asteroid’s principal orbital elements are:
- Semi-major axis: ~2.79 AU
- Eccentricity: ~0.676
- Inclination: ~6°
- Orbital period: ~4.68 years (~1,710 days)
- Perihelion distance: ~0.90 AU
- Aphelion distance: ~4.68 AU
Its high eccentricity results in a highly elongated orbit that carries it from just inside Earth’s orbital region to beyond the orbit of Mars.
The asteroid’s Minimum Orbit Intersection Distance (MOID) with Earth is approximately 0.02 AU. Because this is less than 0.05 AU and the object exceeds ~140 meters in estimated diameter, it is formally categorized as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA).
Physical Characteristics
The asteroid has an absolute magnitude (H) of approximately 17.2. Using standard albedo assumptions for near-Earth asteroids (typically 0.05–0.25), the estimated diameter range is:
- ~0.95 km to ~2.14 km
This size places it in the kilometre-class range — significantly larger than most routine near-Earth flyby objects.
No spacecraft reconnaissance, radar shape modelling, or in-situ composition analysis has yet been conducted for this object. Its spectral taxonomic classification has not been widely published in peer-reviewed surveys.
Rotation / Lightcurve Data
Photometric lightcurve observations indicate a rotation period of approximately:
- ~10.11 hours
This rotational period falls well within the common range observed for kilometre-scale near-Earth asteroids. No evidence currently suggests tumbling (non-principal axis rotation), and no complex rotational state has been reported.
Lightcurve amplitude data can provide insights into elongation and shape irregularity; however, detailed convex shape modelling has not been formally published for this asteroid.
Close Approaches & Future Encounters
(500080) 2011 WV134 makes periodic close approaches to Earth due to its orbit-crossing geometry.
A notable upcoming flyby occurs on:
- 3 March 2026 — ~0.064 AU (~9.6 million km)
This distance is approximately 25 times the average Earth–Moon separation and poses no impact risk.
Additional approaches are predicted in 2040, 2073, and 2150, all at safely non-threatening distances. Current orbit solutions show no impact probability in the foreseeable future.
Observations & Tracking
The asteroid benefits from an extended observational arc beginning with precovery detections in 2006 and continuing through modern astrometric tracking campaigns.
- Observation arc: >15 years
- Hundreds of astrometric measurements
- Orbit solution uncertainty: extremely low
This long data arc significantly reduces orbital uncertainty and allows highly reliable long-term trajectory predictions.
Primary orbital refinement is performed through NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS).
Planetary Defense Context
Although formally designated a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid, this classification reflects orbital geometry criteria rather than imminent danger.
Key monitoring thresholds:
- MOID < 0.05 AU
- Diameter > ~140 meters
(500080) 2011 WV134 exceeds both thresholds, placing it on ongoing monitoring lists. However, present orbital solutions show no projected Earth impact scenarios.
Continued tracking ensures rapid detection of any future orbital perturbations caused by gravitational interactions or non-gravitational forces such as the Yarkovsky effect.
Exploration Potential
Kilometre-class Apollo asteroids are of scientific and strategic interest for several reasons:
- Primitive material sampling potential
- Insights into early Solar System formation
- Impact hazard modelling validation
- Technology demonstration for planetary defence missions
While 2011 WV134 has not been identified as a current mission target, its size and orbital accessibility may make it a candidate for future reconnaissance under planetary defence or resource prospecting initiatives.
Direct Scientific Sources
- NASA JPL Small-Body Database – (500080) 2011 WV134 https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/tools/sbdb_lookup.html#/?sstr=500080
- NASA CNEOS Close Approach Data https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/ca/
- Minor Planet Center Database https://minorplanetcenter.net/db_search
- Catalina Sky Survey (Discovery Program) https://catalina.lpl.arizona.edu/