(5997) Dirac Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 1 October 1983 by A. Mrkos at Klet.
Paul Adrien Maurice Dirac (1902-1984), English theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate, is known for his work in quantum mechanics, for his theory of the spinning electron and his prediction of the existence of the positron. The name was suggested by M. Tichy and Z. Moravec.Naming citation (20000726/MPCPages.arc), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Dirac is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Dirac is 1.90 au from the Sun and 1.30 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 5997 |
| Provisional designation | 1983 TH |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 13.94 |
| Orbital period | 3.28 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.21 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 1.83 – 2.59 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.173 |
| Inclination | 7.55° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 0.832 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
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