(12566) Derichardson Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 16 September 1998 by LONEOS at Anderson Mesa.
An expert on computational techniques, Derek C. Richardson (b. 1968), of the University of Maryland, has made major contributions to the study of rubble piles, particularly their tidal distortion and their collisions. He is also applying his codes to the formation of planets. The name was suggested by M. F. A'Hearn and P. Michel.Naming citation (20020724/MPCPages.arc), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Derichardson is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Derichardson is 3.51 au from the Sun and 2.96 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 12566 |
| Provisional designation | 1998 SH54 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Diameter | 10.6 km (#4,792 largest of 17,440 named asteroids with a measured size) |
| Albedo | 0.0830 |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 13.45 |
| Orbital period | 5.72 years |
| Semi-major axis | 3.20 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.85 – 3.54 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.108 |
| Inclination | 5.07° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.87 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
Also named after someone called Derek
- (4326) McNally
- (4473) Sears
- (33420) Derekwoo
- (42795) Derekmuller
- (106545) Colanduno
- (129053) Derekshannon
All asteroids named after someone called Derek
Also discovered on 16 September 1998
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- (12565) Khege
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- (13750) Mattdawson
- (13751) Joelparker
- (14141) Demeautis
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- (23893) Lauman