(8139) Paulabell Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 31 October 1980 by S. J. Bus at Palomar.
Paul A. Abell (b. 1965) is lead scientist for small bodies in the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate at the NASA Johnson Space Center. His research includes characterization of minor-planet compositions and scientific planning for human exploration of minor planets.Naming citation (20120506/MPCPages.arc), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Paulabell is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Paulabell is 2.47 au from the Sun and 3.08 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 8139 |
| Provisional designation | 1980 UM1 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Diameter | 2.86 km (#15,539 largest of 17,440 named asteroids with a measured size) |
| Albedo | 0.453 |
| Rotation period | 20.5 hours |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 14.62 |
| Orbital period | 3.38 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.25 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.03 – 2.47 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.0987 |
| Inclination | 4.84° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.04 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
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