(88055) Ghaf Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 1 November 2000 by LINEAR at Socorro.
The Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria) is a drought-tolerant tree, which can remain green even in harsh desert environments. It is essential for the survival of animal and plant species alike. The Ghaf is the national tree of the United Arab Emirates, as it is a historic and cultural symbol of stability and peace in the country’s desert environment.Naming citation (WGSBN Bull. 5, #23, 8), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Ghaf is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Ghaf is 2.60 au from the Sun and 2.54 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 88055 |
| Provisional designation | 2000 VA28 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Diameter | 5.44 km (#9,813 largest of 17,440 named asteroids with a measured size) |
| Albedo | 0.0540 |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 15.31 |
| Orbital period | 4.52 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.73 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.45 – 3.02 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.104 |
| Inclination | 6.74° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.46 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
Also discovered on 1 November 2000
- (20850) Gaglani
- (20851) Ramachandran
- (20852) Allilandstrom
- (20853) Yunxiangchu
- (20854) Tetruashvily
- (20855) Arifawan
- (20856) Hamzabari
- (20857) Richardromeo
- (20858) Cuirongfeng
- (20861) Lesliebeh
- (20862) Jenngoedhart
- (20863) Jamescronk