Refining the Possible Orbits of an Asteroid

To better define the actual orbit of the asteroid, astronomers need to do more observations and measure its position as it moves through its orbit. The addition of new data will rule out some of the possible orbits. Since Rubin Observatory will collect data from the entire sky every three to four nights, it will make it easier than ever for astronomers to detect new asteroids, make additional observations, and refine their orbits.

Here are the possible orbits of the asteroid after a third observation is made.