(161278) Cesarmendoza Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 24 March 2003 by Ferrin, I. R., Leal, C. at Merida.
Cesar Mendoza (1962-2008) was a Venezuelan astrophysicist who made important contributions in the field of solar physics. His productive activity was cut short at an early age, but his contributions to physics have not stopped, thanks to his dedication to young talents who will continue and expand his work.Naming citation (20090409/MPCPages.arc), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Cesarmendoza is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Cesarmendoza is 2.89 au from the Sun and 3.68 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 161278 |
| Provisional designation | 2003 FW128 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Diameter | 4.03 km (#12,663 largest of 17,440 named asteroids with a measured size) |
| Albedo | 0.0570 |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 15.84 |
| Orbital period | 4.04 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.54 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.18 – 2.89 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.140 |
| Inclination | 27.3° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.32 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
Also named after someone called Cesar
All asteroids named after someone called Cesar
Also discovered on 24 March 2003
- (95782) Hansgraf
- (114703) North Dakota
- (120103) Dolero
- (127870) Vigo
- (149528) Simonrodriguez
- (156939) Odegard