(7554) Johnspencer Main-belt Asteroid

Discovered on 5 April 1981 by E. Bowell at Anderson Mesa.

Named in honor of John R. Spencer (b. 1957), an astronomer at Lowell Observatory, for his pioneering interdisciplinary work in planetary science. Spencer's research includes detailed and insightful probing into the nature and character of the Galilean satellites. In particular, he has led the field in using high-resolution, ground-based imaging of Io to provide an excellent time history of volcanism, important for bridging the gaps between spacecraft encounters. In his studies, Spencer applies a keen intuitive sense of the natural world and leaves us with a better appreciation and understanding of our solar system. Citation provided by M. W. Buie at the request of the discoverer.Naming citation (19990728/MPCPages.arc), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL

Where Johnspencer is today

Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Johnspencer is 3.30 au from the Sun and 3.55 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.

Facts

Number	7554
Provisional designation	1981 GQ
Orbit class	Main-belt Asteroid
Diameter	15.7 km (#2,962 largest of 17,440 named asteroids with a measured size)
Albedo	0.0540
Absolute magnitude (H)	12.98
Orbital period	5.64 years
Semi-major axis	3.17 au
Perihelion – aphelion	2.38 – 3.96 au
Eccentricity	0.250
Inclination	13.6°
Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID)	1.39 au

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

Also named after someone called John

All asteroids named after someone called John

Also discovered on 5 April 1981

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All 554

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