(63787) Michelmaurette Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 11 September 2001 by W. K. Y. Yeung at Desert Eagle.
Michel Maurette (1933–2024) was a French astronomer known for his work in planetary science and astrobiology. He played a significant role in the study of meteorites and their implications for understanding the origins of life in the universe. His research contributed to the knowledge of extraterrestrial materials and their potential links to Earth.Naming citation (WGSBN Bull. 5, #4, 6), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Michelmaurette is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Michelmaurette is 2.98 au from the Sun and 3.59 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 63787 |
| Provisional designation | 2001 RW16 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 15.59 |
| Orbital period | 4.72 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.81 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.35 – 3.27 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.163 |
| Inclination | 9.51° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.36 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
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