(281661) Michaelsiems Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 8 November 2008 by E. Schwab at Tzec Maun.
Michael Siems (b. 1960) is a German boomerang thrower who began building boomerangs in 1982. He is a longtime friend of the discoverer, sharing the passion for boomerang sport. Siems won the German Championship in 1986 and often was captain of the German team at international competitions. He designed new boomerang shapes and is the author of several books.Naming citation (WGSBN Bull. 2, #13, 12), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Michaelsiems is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Michaelsiems is 2.41 au from the Sun and 3.26 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 281661 |
| Provisional designation | 2008 VW13 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 17.3 |
| Orbital period | 3.86 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.46 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 1.99 – 2.94 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.193 |
| Inclination | 3.07° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 0.975 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
Also named after someone called Michael
- (3192) A'Hearn
- (4477) Kelley
- (4599) Rowan
- (5373) Michaelkurtz
- (5554) Keesey
- (5569) Colby
- (6406) Mikejura
- (6569) Ondaatje
- (7738) Heyman
- (7936) Mikemagee
- (8032) Michaeladams
- (8129) Michaelbusch
All asteroids named after someone called Michael