(69239) Johnstarling Mars-crossing Asteroid
Discovered on 6 December 1978 by Bowell, E., Warnock, A. at Palomar.
John Starling (1940–2019) was a surgeon, vocalist and co-founder of the renowned Seldom Scene bluegrass band. A powerful and expressive singer, he was also the musical consultant for the recording “Trio” by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, which received a Grammy in 1988. His recording “Spring Training” won a Grammy in 1992.Naming citation (WGSBN Bull. 6, #3, 10), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Johnstarling is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Johnstarling is 3.39 au from the Sun and 4.31 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 69239 |
| Provisional designation | 1978 XT |
| Orbit class | Mars-crossing Asteroid |
| Diameter | 1.61 km (#17,312 largest of 17,440 named asteroids with a measured size) |
| Albedo | 0.357 |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 15.89 |
| Orbital period | 4.13 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.57 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 1.60 – 3.55 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.377 |
| Inclination | 4.22° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 0.609 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
Also named after someone called John
- (3882) Johncox
- (3893) DeLaeter
- (4089) Galbraith
- (4147) Lennon
- (4525) Johnbauer
- (4656) Huchra
- (4987) Flamsteed
- (5207) Hearnshaw
- (5216) Cannizzo
- (5362) Johnyoung
- (5517) Johnerogers
- (5558) Johnnapier
All asteroids named after someone called John
Also discovered on 6 December 1978
- (4779) Whitley
- (10461) Dawilliams
- (11261) Krisbecker
- (12666) Mikeauldridge
- (19091) Hagen
- (24618) Johnduffey