220 Stephania

220 Stephania
Discovery
Discovered by Johann Palisa
Discovery date May 19, 1881
Designations
Named after Princess Stéphanie
Alternate name(s) 1925 VE, 1931 FP,
1932 UA, 1943 WB,
1946 MA, 1950 TT4,
1961 WB
Minor planet
category
Main belt
Epoch 30 January 2005 (JD 2453400.5)
Aphelion 442.081 Gm (2.955 AU)
Perihelion 260.473 Gm (1.741 AU)
Semi-major axis 351.277 Gm (2.348 AU)
Eccentricity 0.258
Orbital period 1314.246 d (3.6 a)
Average orbital speed 19.44 km/s
Mean anomaly 59.033°
Inclination 7.585°
Longitude of ascending node 258.057°
Argument of perihelion 78.595°
Physical characteristics
Dimensions 31.0 km
Mass unknown
Mean density unknown
Equatorial surface gravity unknown
Escape velocity unknown
Rotation period 18.198 h
Albedo 0.073
Temperature unknown
Spectral type P
Absolute magnitude (H) 11.0

220 Stephania is a Main belt asteroid. It is a P-type asteroid, meaning it is relatively dark and composed of organic rich silicates, carbon and anhydrous silicates.

It was discovered by Johann Palisa on May 19, 1881 in Vienna. It was the first discovery he made after transferring to the observatory from Pola.[1]

The name honours Crown Princess Stéphanie, wife of the heir-apparent Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria. The couple was married the year the asteroid was discovered. It was the first time that a naming commemorated a wedding and was given as a wedding gift.[1]

Lightcurve data has also been recorded by observers at the Antelope Hill Observatory, which has been designated as an official observatory by the Minor Planet Center.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b Schmadel Lutz D. Dictionary of Minor Planet Names (fifth edition), Springer, 2003. ISBN 3-540-00238-3.
  2. ^ Lightcurve Results