(10101) Fourier Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 30 January 1992 by E. W. Elst at La Silla.
Named in memory of Jean-Baptiste-Joseph Fourier (1768-1830), French mathematician who exerted a strong influence on mathematical physics through his Théorie analytique de la chaleur (1822), wherein he showed that the conduction of heat in solid bodies may be analyzed in terms of infinite mathematical series, the so-called “Fourier series”. In 1798 he accompanied Napoleon to Egypt, where he was engaged, until 1801, in extensive research on Egyptian antiquities.Naming citation (19990728/MPCPages.arc), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Fourier is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Fourier is 2.45 au from the Sun and 3.41 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 10101 |
| Provisional designation | 1992 BM2 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Rotation period | 6.85 hours |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 14.38 |
| Orbital period | 3.37 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.25 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.02 – 2.47 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.0999 |
| Inclination | 3.92° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.04 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
Also named after someone called Joseph
- (2157) Ashbrook
- (4225) Hobart
- (5034) Joeharrington
- (5577) Priestley
- (5883) Josephblack
- (6540) Stepling
- (6743) Liu
- (7656) Joemontani
- (8023) Josephwalker
- (8255) Masiero
- (8661) Ratzinger
- (8794) Joepatterson
All asteroids named after someone called Joseph
Also discovered on 30 January 1992
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- (7187) Isobe
- (7947) Toland
- (13975) Beatrixpotter
- (15752) Eluard
- (16563) Ob
- (16564) Coriolis
- (20024) Mayremartinez
- (21087) Petsimpallas
- (21088) Chelyabinsk
- (29220) Xavierbaptista