Discovered by E. F. Helin MPC designation 26858 Misterrogers Observation arc 25.37 yr (9,267 days) Aphelion 3.15 m Discoverer Eleanor F. Helin Discovery site Palomar Observatory | Discovery date 21 March 1993 Minor planet category Mars-crosser Discovered 21 March 1993 Orbits Sun Named after Fred Rogers | |
Alternative names 1993 FR · 1952 SU
2000 EK107 Similar Solar System, Sun, 5535 Annefrank, 4015 Wilson–Harrington, 6489 Golevka | ||
26858 Misterrogers /ˌmɪstər ˈrɒdʒərz/ is a Mars crossing asteroid named after children's television host Fred Rogers. Rogers, who had a lifelong fascination with the sky and astronomy—he obtained a pilot's license while still in high school—also produced with the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh a planetarium show called The Sky above Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, which is still shown at many planetariums across the United States.
The International Astronomical Union citation reads as follows:
"Fred McFeely Rogers (1928–2003) was a tireless and passionate advocate for children who taught that everyone is unique and deserving of love and respect 'just the way you are'. For more than 30 years he used his public television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood as a vehicle of service to the youngest members of the human family."
The naming was proposed, and citation prepared, by John G. Radzilowicz, Director of the Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium & Observatory at the Carnegie Science Center.