(60972) Matenko Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 23 May 2000 by Galad, A., Koleny, P. at Modra.
Mateno (“Matenko”) is a nickname of Alexander Pravda (b. 1961), the discoverers' friend and, until 1998, colleague. As a keen observer, he codiscovered several minor planets and was fascinated especially by changes in cometary appearance. His friends were inspired by his wide range of interests, including music and painting.Naming citation (20100330/MPCPages.arc), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Matenko is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Matenko is 2.41 au from the Sun and 3.20 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 60972 |
| Provisional designation | 2000 KN |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 14.91 |
| Orbital period | 4.40 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.69 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.24 – 3.13 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.166 |
| Inclination | 11.8° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.26 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
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