(278417) Kerschbaum Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 14 September 2007 by Schwab, E., Kling, R. at Taunus.
Franz Kerschbaum (b. 1963) is an Austrian astrophysicist at the University of Vienna. He researches the late stages of stellar evolution using infrared astronomy, interferometry, and space instrumentation. Franz’s work includes contributions to ESA missions such as the Herschel Space Observatory and the forthcoming Ariel mission.Naming citation (WGSBN Bull. 6, #15, 13), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Kerschbaum is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Kerschbaum is 2.96 au from the Sun and 3.83 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 278417 |
| Provisional designation | 2007 RR146 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 15.98 |
| Orbital period | 5.12 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.97 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.78 – 3.16 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.0646 |
| Inclination | 8.08° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.78 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
Also named after someone called Franz
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- (6212) Franzthaler
- (6807) Brunnow
- (10380) Berwald
- (12002) Suess
- (12244) Werfel
- (15282) Franzmarc
- (24916) Stelzhamer
- (27984) Herminefranz
- (30933) Grillparzer
- (65694) Franzrosenzweig
- (214911) Viehbock
All asteroids named after someone called Franz