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1861 Komenský

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1861 Komenský
Discovery [1]
Discovered byL. Kohoutek
Discovery siteBergedorf Obs.
Discovery date24 November 1970
Designations
1861 Komenský
Named after
John Amos Comenius
(Czech theologist)[2]
1970 WB
main-belt[1]
Orbital characteristics[1]
Epoch 31 July 2016 (JD 2457600.5)
Uncertainty parameter 0
Observation arc45.37 yr (16,571 days)
Aphelion3.2134 AU
Perihelion2.8261 AU
3.0197 AU
Eccentricity0.0641
5.25 yr (1,917 days)
8.4495°
0° 11m 16.08s / day
Inclination10.456°
23.586°
267.81°
Physical characteristics
Dimensions26 km (est. at 0.08)[3]
11.7[1]

1861 Komenský, provisional designation 1970 WB, is an asteroid from the outer region of the asteroid belt, estimated to measure approximately 26 kilometers in diameter. It was discovered by Czech astronomer Luboš Kohoutek at the Bergedorf Observatory in Hamburg, Germany on 24 November 1970.[4]

The asteroid orbits the Sun at a distance of 2.8–3.2 AU once every 5 years and 3 months (1,916 days). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.06 and an inclination of 10° with respect to the ecliptic. It has a well-observed orbit with the lowest possible uncertainty, a condition code of 0, and an observation arc that spans over a time period of almost half a century. As of 2016, the asteroid's effective size, its composition and albedo, as well as its rotation period and shape remain unknown.[1]

Based on an absolute magnitude of 16.7, the asteroid is calculated to measure between 14 and 28 kilometers in diameter, assuming an albedo in the range of 0.05 to 0.25.[3] Since most asteroids in the outer main-belt are of a carbonaceous rather than of a silicaceous composition, with low albedos, typically around 0.06, the asteroid's diameter might be on the lower end of NASA's published conversion table, as the higher the body's reflectivity (albedo), the smaller its diameter, for a given absolute magnitude (brightness).[3]

It was named in honor of Czech educational reformer and theologist, John Amos Comenius (1592–1670), known as Jan Amos Komenský in the original Czech language. He is considered the father of modern education and spend most of his life in exile.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 1861 Komensky (1970 WB)" (2016-04-07 last obs.). Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved April 2016. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  2. ^ a b Schmadel, Lutz D. (2007). Dictionary of Minor Planet Names – (1861) Komenský. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. p. 149. ISBN 978-3-540-00238-3. Retrieved April 2016. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  3. ^ a b c "Absolute Magnitude (H)". NASA/JPL. Retrieved April 2016. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  4. ^ "1861 Komensky (1970 WB)". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved April 2016. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)