In: Physics
The uncertainty parameter U is a parameter introduced by the Minor
Planet Center (MPC) to quantify concisely the uncertainty of a
perturbed orbital solution for a minor planet. The parameter is a
logarithmic scale from 0 to 9 that measures the anticipated
longitudinal uncertainty in the minor planet's mean anomaly after
10 years. The uncertainty parameter is also known as condition code
in JPL's Small-Body Database Browser. The U value should not be
used as a predictor for the uncertainty in the future motion of
near-Earth objects