(548624) Ekwerike Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 15 September 2010 by R. Holmes at Charleston.
Alphonsus Ekwerike (1960–2022) was an early participant of the International Astronomical Search Collaboration and the first Nigerian to discover an asteroid. He was also a prominent professional in the medicine and health sciences fields. His contributions and dedication to education will be remembered. Name suggested by Patrick Miller and the IASC.Naming citation (WGSBN Bull. 4, #7, 10), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Ekwerike is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Ekwerike is 2.95 au from the Sun and 2.17 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 548624 |
| Provisional designation | 2010 TL78 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 16.79 |
| Orbital period | 5.19 years |
| Semi-major axis | 3.00 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.76 – 3.24 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.0799 |
| Inclination | 6.55° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.75 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.