Discovered by J. B. Gibson MPC designation 100000 Astronautica Minor planet category main-belt (inner) Discovered 28 September 1982 Discoverer James B. Gibson Asteroid group Asteroid belt | Discovery date 28 September 1982 Alternative names 1982 SH1 · 2002 CW115 Orbital period 960 days Orbits Sun | |
Similar Solar System, Sun, 1943 Anteros | ||
100000 Astronautica, provisionally designated 1982 SH1, is an asteroid from the inner asteroid belt discovered on 28 September 1982 by James B. Gibson at Palomar Observatory, California, United States.
The asteroid orbits the Sun at a distance of 1.7–2.1 AU once every 2 years and 8 months (960 days). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.09 and an inclination of 21° with respect to the ecliptic. As no precoveries were taken, the asteroid's observation arc begins with its discovery observation in 1982. It has an absolute magnitude of 16.9.
This minor planet marked the milestone of the 100,000th numbered minor planet in October 2005. It was named in October 2007, by the International Astronomical Union's Committee on Small Body Nomenclature to recognize the 50th anniversary of the start of the Space Age, as marked by the launch of the Soviet Sputnik spacecraft into orbit on 4 October 1957 (M.P.C. 60731). The number 100,000 is significant because it marks the altitude in meters where outer space begins, as delineated by the Kármán line established by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. The name 'Astronautica' is Latin for 'star sailor'.