(20012) Ranke Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 13 September 1991 by Borngen, F., Schmadel, L. D. at Tautenburg.
Leopold von Ranke (1795-1886) was a professor of history in Berlin from 1825 to 1871. Treading new paths, he created the basis for the modern study of history by exact research and criticism of original sources. His complete works cover 54 volumes. The name was suggested by the first discoverer.Naming citation (20010509/MPCPages.arc), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Ranke is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Ranke is 2.68 au from the Sun and 3.03 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 20012 |
| Provisional designation | 1991 RV4 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Diameter | 3.04 km (#15,118 largest of 17,440 named asteroids with a measured size) |
| Albedo | 0.332 |
| Rotation period | 7.58 hours |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 14.78 |
| Orbital period | 4.24 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.62 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.32 – 2.91 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.113 |
| Inclination | 2.60° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.32 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
Also named after someone called Leopold
All asteroids named after someone called Leopold
Also discovered on 13 September 1991
- (5338) Michelblanc
- (5628) Preussen
- (6044) Hammer-Purgstall
- (6966) Vietoris
- (7586) Bismarck
- (7767) Tomatic
- (7945) Kreisau
- (9761) Krautter
- (9762) Hermannhesse
- (9863) Reichardt
- (10096) Colleenohare
- (12729) Berger