(31876) Jenkens Main-belt Asteroid

Discovered on 2 March 2000 by CSS at Catalina.

Robert Jenkens (b. 1962) is Deputy Project Manager for the OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission. He also led the TDRS H,I,J Project through development, launch and transition into operations. He served as Deputy Program Manager for NASA's Living With A Star and Solar Terrestrial Probes programs.Naming citation (MPC batch dated 2013-07-22), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL

Where Jenkens is today

MercuryVenusEarthEarthMarsMarsJenkensJenkens

Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Jenkens is 2.85 au from the Sun and 2.18 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.

Facts

Number31876
Provisional designation2000 EA142
Orbit classMain-belt Asteroid
Absolute magnitude (H)14.52
Orbital period4.14 years
Semi-major axis2.58 au
Perihelion – aphelion1.92 – 3.24 au
Eccentricity0.257
Inclination13.7°
Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID)0.905 au

Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.

Also named after someone called Robert

Also discovered on 2 March 2000

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