(2862) Vavilov Main-belt Asteroid
Discovered on 15 May 1977 by N. S. Chernykh at Nauchnyj.
Named in memory of Academician Nikolaj Ivanovich Vavilov (1887–1943), prominent botanist and geneticist, who organized and participated in many botanical expeditions to the various parts of the globe. He established the Soviet collection of plant cultures that includes more than 300 000 samples. The planet also honors his brother, Academician Sergej Ivanovich Vavilov (1891–1951), president of the U.S.S.R. Academy of Sciences from 1945 until his death, renowned for his work in the field of physical optics.Naming citation (WGSBN Bull. 4, #9, 4), IAU / Minor Planet Center, via NASA/JPL
Where Vavilov is today
Seen from above the solar system on 2026-10-14: Vavilov is 2.34 au from the Sun and 2.81 au from Earth. Computed from JPL's orbital elements.
Facts
| Number | 2862 |
| Provisional designation | 1977 JP |
| Orbit class | Main-belt Asteroid |
| Diameter | 6.03 km (#8,880 largest of 17,440 named asteroids with a measured size) |
| Albedo | 0.260 |
| Rotation period | 3,015 hours |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | 12.96 |
| Orbital period | 3.27 years |
| Semi-major axis | 2.20 au |
| Perihelion – aphelion | 1.95 – 2.45 au |
| Eccentricity | 0.115 |
| Inclination | 3.48° |
| Closest distance between its orbit and Earth's (MOID) | 0.964 au |
Data: NASA/JPL Small-Body Database and the IAU Minor Planet Center.