(472235) Zhulong Trans-Neptunian Object
Discovered on 9 April 2011 by D. L. Rabinowitz at La Silla.
Zhulong (“Torch Dragon”) is a mythological creature with a human face and scarlet serpent body. It controlled the day and night of the world by opening and closing its eyes. It is described in classic Chinese literature as shining a torch over “the ninefold darkness.” Name suggested by students at the National Dali School.Naming citation (WGSBN Bull. 5, #11, 8), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Zhulong is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Zhulong is 32.8 au from the Sun and 33.7 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 472235 |
| Provisional designation | 2014 GE45 |
| Orbit class | Trans-Neptunian Object |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 6.5 |
| Orbital period | 411 years |
| Semi-major axis | 55.3 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 32.7 – 77.9 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.408 |
| Inclination | 0.807° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 31.7 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.