description 87 Sylvia Overview
Two small moons orbit 87 Sylvia, a large P-type asteroid in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter. Together, the primary body and its satellites form a triple system. Sylvia became the first asteroid identified with two moons, making it a useful example of how a small solar-system body can support a satellite system of its own. Observing the moons' motion allows astronomers to investigate the primary asteroid's mass and the gravitational interactions within the system.
These measurements support research into asteroid structure and the ways collisions and other processes influence small-body evolution. Sylvia particularly suits readers interested in orbital mechanics and the formation of asteroid satellites. ESO describes the discovery as the first known triple asteroid system, rather than a binary pair.
help 87 Sylvia FAQ
Does asteroid 87 Sylvia have moons?
Yes, asteroid 87 Sylvia has two confirmed moons named Romulus and Remus, making it the first asteroid known to have a multiple satellite system. Romulus was discovered in 2001 and Remus was identified in 2004, both by teams using adaptive optics imaging.
Where is asteroid 87 Sylvia located in the solar system?
87 Sylvia resides in the main asteroid belt, the region of space between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It is classified as a p-type asteroid, which is a dark, carbon-rich spectral type more common in the outer regions of the main belt.
How large is asteroid 87 Sylvia?
87 Sylvia is one of the larger main-belt asteroids, with a mean diameter of approximately 280 kilometers. Its substantial size is what allowed astronomers to detect its satellite system using ground-based telescopes with adaptive optics.
Who discovered asteroid 87 Sylvia and when?
Asteroid 87 Sylvia was discovered by Norman Robert Pogson on May 16, 1866, from the Madras Observatory in India. Pogson named it after Rhea Silvia, the mythological mother of Romulus and Remus, which later inspired the names of the asteroid's two moons.
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