What is 3200 Phaethon?
Q: What is 3200 Phaethon?
A: 3200 Phaethon is an Apollo asteroid and a dead comet.
Q: When was 3200 Phaethon announced?
A: It was announced on 14 October 1983 in IAUC 3878.
Q: What is the diameter of 3200 Phaethon?
A: The diameter of 3200 Phaethon is 5.10 km.
Q: Does 3200 Phaethon approach the Sun closer than any other numbered asteroid?
A: Yes, 3200 Phaethon approaches the Sun closer than any other numbered asteroid.
Q: What is the perihelion of 3200 Phaethon?
A: The perihelion of 3200 Phaethon (closest approach to the Sun) is only 0.140 AU – less than half Mercury's perihelion distance.
Q: Why was 3200 Phaethon named after the Greek myth of Phaëton?
A: 3200 Phaethon was named after the Greek myth of Phaëton, son of the sun god Helios because its surface temperature at perihelion could reach ~1025 K, or 1400 F.
Q: When will 3200 Phaethon pass closest to Earth?
A: 3200 Phaethon will pass closest to Earth on 14 December 2093, passing within 0.0198 AU (3.0 Gm).
