(7925) Shelus Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 6 September 1986 by E. Bowell at Anderson Mesa.
Named in honor of Peter J. Shelus (b. 1942), who has ably managed the Lunar and Satellite Laser Ranging Projects at McDonald Observatory since 1982. An astrometrist by training, Shelus has carried out long-term observations of the faint jovian satellites. Currently, he is providing software management and observing expertise for time-critical follow-up astrometry of newly discovered NEOs. His program leadership has been recognized by NASA in group achievement awards for satellite and lunar laser ranging and for development of ephemerides. His 20 years of service as treasurer of the Division of Dynamical Astronomy of the American Astronomical Society is also recognized. Citation written by E. S. Barker.Naming citation (19990728/MPCPages.arc), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Shelus is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Shelus is 3.08 au from the Sun and 3.00 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 7925 |
| Provisional designation | 1986 RX2 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Diameter | 10.8 km (#4,675 largest of 17,440 named asteroids with a measured size) |
| Albedo | 0.0870 |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 13.51 |
| Orbital period | 5.58 years |
| Semi-major axis | 3.15 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 2.57 – 3.72 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.183 |
| Inclination | 1.57° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 1.57 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
Also named after someone called Peter
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All asteroids named after someone called Peter
Also discovered on 6 September 1986
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