(27657) Berkhey Mars-crossing Asteroid
Discovered on 12 August 1974 by T. Gehrels at Palomar.
Joannes Le Francq van Berkhey (1729-1812) was a famous Dutch physician, biologist and naturalist noted for his Natural History of Holland. He was considered an excellent poet for his time. The name was suggested by C. E. Koppeschaar.Naming citation (20100130/MPCPages.arc), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Berkhey is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Berkhey is 2.77 au from the Sun and 3.41 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 27657 |
| Provisional designation | 1974 PC |
| Orbit class | Mars-crossing Asteroid |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 15.2 |
| Orbital period | 3.39 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.26 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 1.60 – 2.92 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.292 |
| Inclination | 23.4° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 0.617 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.