Discovered by Félix Aguilar Obs. MPC designation 2311 El Leoncito Discovered 10 October 1974 Orbits Sun | Discovery date 10 October 1974 Minor planet category main-belt · (outer) Absolute magnitude 10.52 Asteroid group Asteroid belt | |
Named after El Leoncito (observatories) Alternative names 1974 TA1 · 1928 DM1944 KD · 1972 KH1972 LM · 1976 AE Discovery site Carlos U. Cesco Astronomical Station People also search for 2001 Einstein, Sun, 5386 Bajaja | ||
2311 El Leoncito, provisional designation 1974 TA1, is a dark and reddish asteroid from the outer region of the asteroid belt, about 53 kilometers in diameter. It was discovered by astronomers at Félix Aguilar Observatory at the Leoncito Astronomical Complex in Argentina on 10 October 1974.
The asteroid is classified as a D-type body in the Tholen taxonomic classification, one of only 46 known asteroids of this spectral type. It has a well-observed orbit with the lowest possible uncertainty – a condition code of 0 – and an observation arc that spans over a period of almost half a century, using precovery images on photographic plates from 1972. It orbits the Sun at a distance of 3.5–3.8 AU once every 6 years and 11 months (2,534 days). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.04 and an inclination of 7° with respect to the ecliptic.of 3.5–3.8 AU once every 6 years and 11 months (2,536 days). Its orbit shows an eccentricity of 0.04 and is tilted by 7 degrees to the plane of the ecliptic. The body has a low albedo of 0.04, typical for D-type asteroids. Its rotation period, however, remains unknown.
The minor planet derives its name from the Spanish name of the discovering astronomical complex of observatories, the Complejo Astronómico El Leoncito. Naming citation was published on 22 September 1983 (M.P.C. 8153).