Schwassmann-Wachmann

Orbit and dynamics

Between its closest point (0.939 AU) and its farthest (5.237 AU), the heliocentric distance changes by 4.298 AU over every revolution.

One full revolution takes 5.43 yr (1,982 days), computed from the semi-major axis of 3.088 AU.

The high eccentricity (0.696) produces a strongly elongated orbit, so the object spends most of its time far from the Sun.

The orbital plane is tilted 11.41° relative to the ecliptic.

By the vis-viva equation its orbital speed rises to 40 km/s at perihelion and falls to 7.2 km/s at aphelion.

Because q < 1 AU and Q > 1 AU, this orbit geometrically intersects the region of Earth's orbit.

Its Tisserand parameter with respect to Jupiter is T_J = 2.77, a standard discriminator between asteroidal and cometary dynamics.

Size and surface

Neither a measured diameter nor a reliable absolute magnitude is available for Schwassmann-Wachmann, so its physical size remains unconstrained.

Observation record and orbit quality

Astrometry from 185 individual observations underpins this orbit; the fit leaves an RMS residual of 1.0102 arcseconds.

Condition code U = 7 signals a poorly constrained orbit, so its future path should be treated as provisional.