(12651) Frenkel Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 16 October 1977 by van Houten, C. J., van Houten-Groeneveld, I., Gehrels, T. at Palomar.
Daan Frenkel (b. 1948) is a leading Dutch scientist who has contributed to the development of Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics simulation methods that led to a greater understanding of the phase behavior of molecular systems. He shed light on the state of carbon in stars and has launched the careers of many young researchers.Naming citation (MPC batch dated 2018-05-29), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Frenkel is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Frenkel is 2.77 au from the Sun and 2.21 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 12651 |
| Provisional designation | 2268 T-3 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 14.0 |
| Orbital period | 5.39 years |
| Semi-major axis | 3.07 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.71 – 3.44 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.119 |
| Inclination | 10.0° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.71 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
Also discovered on 16 October 1977
- (3798) de Jager
- (3936) Elst
- (4044) Erikhog
- (4108) Rakos
- (4722) Agelaos
- (4753) Phidias
- (4754) Panthoos
- (5610) Balster
- (5699) Munch
- (5700) Homerus
- (5984) Lysippus
- (6055) Brunelleschi