P/2020 MK4 (PANSTARRS)
ephemeris	date	magn	radius	delta	ra	dec	elong	phase	PA
Today	24 Jan 2025	19.8	6.167 AU	6.136 AU	01h52m	+16°14'	87.2°	9.2°	69°
Nearest approach	18 Dec 2026	19.4	6.132 AU	5.156 AU	05h42m	+31°26'	171.9°	1.3°	180°
Perihelion	14 Apr 2027	20.0	6.131 AU	6.546 AU	05h40m	+29°42'	61.5°	8.3°	85°

The interactive orbit chart above shows the comet's path through the solar system and its position at the given date. Green and blue lines are shown perpendicular to the ecliptic plane: Green if the path is above the ecliptic plane, blue if it is below. (Left-click and drag to rotate the view; Right-click and drag to move the view; Use scroll wheel to zoom in our out.)

The orbital elements of P/2020 MK4 (PANSTARRS) are:

            e (Eccentricity)                : 0.0146070
            q (Perihelion distance)         : 6.1314850
            i (Inclination)                 : 6.78280
            Ω (Longitude of ascending node) : 0.67570
            ω (Argument of perihelion)      : 93.29410
            L (Longitude of perihelion)     : -86.00703
            B (Latitude of perihelion)      : 6.77154
            T (Time of perihelion passage)  : 2461510.39860
            P (Orbital period in years)     : 15.52

            Epoch                           : 2025 Jan 23
            Reference                       : MPEC 2024-NE4

            Classification(s):              : Ecliptic; Chiron type
            Tisserand (Jupiter)             : 3.008
        

The light curve chart below shows the estimated development of the comet's magnitude. Blue and black dots are visual and photometric CCD observations respectively from COBS or the MPC. The light curve is based on the absolute magnitude and slope parameter as calculated from an MPEC, or the latest values provided by the minor planet center. (8.00 + 5 log[∆] + 10.00 log[r]).

The all-sky chart below shows the path of the comet over the same period as the light curve. The comet's current position is marked yellow.

The following chart shows the short-term path of the comet in a field of view that is optimized for (~10x50) binoculars and finderscopes.
A more printer-friendly version of the same chart can be found further down this page as well.

The following chart shows the current location of the comet in a smaller, upside-down telescopic field of view.

A printable version of the short-term path of the comet in a field of view that is optimized for (~10x50) binoculars and finderscopes.