(198989) Valeriethomas Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 2 November 2005 by Mt. Lemmon Survey at Mount Lemmon.
Valerie L. Thomas (b. 1943) is an American scientist and inventor. She is renowned for her work with several NASA projects including managing the development of the Landsat image processing systems. She is the inventor of the illusion transmitter and has promoted STEM opportunities for African Americans and women.Naming citation (WGSBN Bull. 2, #7, 13), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Valeriethomas is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Valeriethomas is 2.05 au from the Sun and 2.29 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 198989 |
| Provisional designation | 2005 VT101 |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Diameter | 2.21 km (#16,771 largest of 17,440 named asteroids with a measured size) |
| Albedo | 0.0480 |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 17.44 |
| Orbital period | 3.42 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.27 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 1.95 – 2.59 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.140 |
| Inclination | 3.11° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 0.968 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.
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