description 50 Virginia Overview
50 Virginia is a main-belt asteroid discovered by American astronomer James Ferguson on 4 October 1857 at the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, District of Columbia. German astronomer Robert Luther independently found it on 19 October, but the numbered object is credited to Ferguson. Its name has no settled explanation: published accounts connect it either with Verginia, a woman in Roman legend, or with the state of Virginia. It orbits the Sun in about 4.32 years and rotates in roughly 14.3 hours.
help 50 Virginia FAQ
When and where was 50 Virginia discovered?
50 Virginia was discovered on 4 October 1857 by American astronomer James Ferguson. He found it at the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, District of Columbia.
Who else observed 50 Virginia?
German astronomer Robert Luther independently found the same asteroid on 19 October 1857. The object retained the numbered designation 50 Virginia.
What type of asteroid is 50 Virginia?
50 Virginia is a main-belt asteroid. That means its orbit lies in the broad population of asteroids between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Why is 50 Virginia numbered 50?
The number indicates that it was recognized as the 50th asteroid to receive a permanent numbered designation. Its name, Virginia, is separate from the discovery number.
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