(10387) Bepicolombo Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 18 October 1996 by Sicoli, P., Manca, F. at Sormano.
Giuseppe (Bepi) Colombo (1920-1984), a mathematician at the University of Padova, made fundamental contributions to the theory of resonances, notably with regard to the Kirkwood gaps and the rotation of Mercury. He also pioneered the use of planetary encounters for gravity assists in arranging space missions.Naming citation (20000523/MPCPages.arc), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Bepicolombo is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Bepicolombo is 2.33 au from the Sun and 2.59 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 10387 |
| Provisional designation | 1996 UQ |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 13.65 |
| Orbital period | 4.40 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.68 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.25 – 3.12 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.163 |
| Inclination | 12.7° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.25 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.