Meanings of minor planet names: 121001–122000
As minor planet discoveries are confirmed, they are given a permanent number by the IAU's Minor Planet Center (MPC), and the discoverers can then submit names for them, following the IAU's naming conventions. The list below concerns those minor planets in the specified number-range that have received names, and explains the meanings of those names.
Official naming citations of newly named small Solar System bodies are approved and published in a bulletin by IAU's Working Group Small Body Nomenclature (WGSBN).[1] Before May 2021, citations were published in MPC's Minor Planet Circulars for many decades.[2] Recent citations can also be found on the JPL Small-Body Database (SBDB).[3] Until his death in 2016, German astronomer Lutz D. Schmadel compiled these citations into the Dictionary of Minor Planet Names (DMP) and regularly updated the collection.[4][5] Based on Paul Herget's The Names of the Minor Planets,[6] Schmadel also researched the unclear origin of numerous asteroids, most of which had been named prior to World War II. 
This article incorporates public domain material from the United States Government document: "SBDB". New namings may only be added to this list below after official publication as the preannouncement of names is condemned by the WGSBN.[7]
121001–121100[]
| Named minor planet | Provisional | This minor planet was named for... | Ref · Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121001 Liangshanxichang | 1998 YW8 | Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan province, P.R. China has a population of 5.15 million from multiple ethnic groups, including the largest population of ethnic Yi nationally. The capital of Liangshan is Xichang, where China's Chang'e-1, 2, and 3 lunar orbiters, lander and rover were launched. | JPL · 121001 |
| 121007 Jiaxingnanhu | 1999 AT9 | "Jiaxing nanhu"are the Chinese characters for "South Lake of Jiaxing City". South Lake is one of the three most famous lakes in Zhejiang Province, and is among the most highest-rated scenic areas in China. | IAU · 121007 |
| 121008 Michellecrigger | 1999 AK10 | Michelle Crigger (born 1981) worked on the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as a Financial Manager. Prior to this role, she provided resource and programmatic support to the Goddard Spaceflight Center CFO Office, Astrophysics Project Division and the ExPRESS Logistics Carrier Project at NASA. | JPL · 121008 |
| 121016 Christopharnold | 1999 BW3 | Christoph Arnold (1650–1695), German amateur astronomer who observed the 1690 transit of Mercury | JPL · 121016 |
| 121019 Minodamato | 1999 BO7 | Mino Damato (1937–2010), Italian astronomy communicator known for his TV series In viaggio tra le stelle ("A Journey among the Stars") in the 1970s. | JPL · 121019 |
| 121022 Galliano | 1999 BR13 | Richard Galliano (born 1950), a French accordionist. | JPL · 121022 |
| 121032 Wadesisler | 1999 BN33 | Wade Sisler (born 1959) is the Executive Producer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Wade supports a team of video producers, science animators, web editors, and social media wranglers in their quest to share the story of the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. | JPL · 121032 |
| 121089 Vyšší Brod | 1999 FH21 | The monastery of Vyšší Brod (Hohenfurth), founded by the Rozmberks near this market town in 1259 | JPL · 121089 |
121101–121200[]
| Named minor planet | Provisional | This minor planet was named for... | Ref · Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121103 Ericneilsen | 1999 FX73 | Eric Neilsen (born 1970), American astronomer with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey | JPL · 121103 |
| 121121 Koyoharugotoge | 1999 HJ3 | Koyoharu Gotōge (born 1988) is a Japanese mangaka and the author of the manga Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, which inspired the realization of the popular anime series with the same name. | JPL · 121121 |
| 121132 Garydavis | 1999 JB10 | Gary T. Davis (born 1969) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as a Spacecraft Systems Engineer. | JPL · 121132 |
| 121133 Kenflurchick | 1999 JN14 | Ken Flurchick (1951–2018) enjoyed a successful career at North Carolina A&T in the field of supercomputers. He published extensively in the fields of computational physics, astronomy, chemistry, and engineering, and also taught a wide variety of courses in these areas. | IAU · 121133 |
121201–121300[]
| Named minor planet | Provisional | This minor planet was named for... | Ref · Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121211 Nikeshadavis | 1999 RB4 | Nikesha Davis (born 1983) is the deputy lead NASA Attitude Control Analyst for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. Prior to serving in this role, she worked as an Attitude Control Analyst on the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission and the proposal team for the GEDI Mission | JPL · 121211 |
| 121232 Zerin | 1999 RK35 | ZERIN is the Center for Ries Crater and Impact Studies Nördlingen (German: Zentrum für Rieskrater- und Impaktforschung Nördlingen), a scientific institute for impact research and, in particular, documentation of the Nördlinger Ries Crater (Src). | JPL · 121232 |
| 121236 Adrianagutierrez | 1999 RJ39 | Adriana Manrique Gutierrez (born 1986), an animator at NASA Goddard's Conceptual Image Lab. She is part of the production team working on a series of animated films for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission | JPL · 121236 |
| 121237 Zachdolch | 1999 RK39 | Zachary Dolch (born 1984), a planner/scheduler for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. | JPL · 121237 |
121301–121400[]
| Named minor planet | Provisional | This minor planet was named for... | Ref · Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121313 Tamsin | 1999 RF214 | Frank Tamsin (born 1964), Belgian amateur astronomer, editor of the Belgian astronomical magazine Heelal since 1998 and secretary general of the Flemish Amateur Astronomers Association (Vereniging Voor Sterrenkunde, VVS) and the Public Observatory Beisbroek (Volkssterrenwacht vzw Beisbroek/Observatoire de Beisbroek) in Bruges | JPL · 121313 |
| 121315 Mikelentz | 1999 RB218 | Michael W. Lentz (born 1968) is an artist in the Conceptual Image Lab at GSFC. He worked for over three years to develop art and animation for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission to illustrate the scope and magnitude of the scientific endeavor to study the asteroid Bennu | JPL · 121315 |
| 121327 Andreweaker | 1999 SL14 | Andrew C. Eaker (born 1961) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as Project Scheduler. Prior missions include LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) and GLAST (Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope). | JPL · 121327 |
| 121328 Devlynrfennell | 1999 SZ14 | Devlyn R. Fennell (born 1978) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission on Data/Configuration Management. | JPL · 121328 |
| 121329 Getzandanner | 1999 SF15 | Kenneth M. Getzandanner (born 1988), an Aerospace Engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as a member of the Flight Dynamics Team. | JPL · 121329 |
| 121330 Colbygoodloe | 1999 SW16 | Colby Goodloe (born 1982) contributed to the NASA OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission as a systems engineer. Prior to the OSIRIS-REx mission, he served as an electrical engineer on many other NASA missions. | JPL · 121330 |
| 121331 Savannahsalazar | 1999 SN22 | Savannah J. Salazar (born 1995) worked as a student employee on the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission at the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Lab, helping to organize the naming of asteroids for team members. | JPL · 121331 |
| 121332 Jasonhair | 1999 SB24 | Jason Hair (born 1977), the Visible and near InfraRed Spectrometer Instrument Manager for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission, overseeing instrument development, integration and testing. | JPL · 121332 |
| 121352 Taylorhale | 1999 TG38 | Taylor Hale (born 1965) is an instrument systems engineer for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. Prior to OSIRIS-REx, he was the lead engineer on the Landsat-8 Thermal Infrared Sensor instrument developed at Goddard. | JPL · 121352 |
121401–121500[]
| Named minor planet | Provisional | This minor planet was named for... | Ref · Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121468 Msovinskihaskell | 1999 TD219 | Marjorie (Sovinski) Haskell (born 1979) is the Materials and Processes Engineer for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission and the OVIRS instrument. Prior to OSIRIS-REx, she served as the MPE for the SMAP Radiometer and has also supported the Solar Orbiter, LCRD, and ASTRO-H programs as MPE. | JPL · 121468 |
| 121469 Sarahaugh | 1999 TW221 | Sara Haugh (born 1970) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as a Software Systems Engineer. Previously, she served as a Software Systems Engineer for the MAVEN Mission, the ISIM FSW Test Lead for the JWST Mission, and a Flight Operations Team member for the Terra and Aqua Missions. | JPL · 121469 |
| 121479 Hendershot | 1999 TM236 | James Hendershot (born 1957), the Payload Team Instrument Manager at Goddard Space Flight Center for the OCAMS and OTES instruments on the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. | JPL · 121479 |
| 121480 Dolanhighsmith | 1999 TH240 | Dolan E. Highsmith (born 1970) contributed to the Navigation Teams of the ESA Mars Express mission and the NASA MRO, MSL, MAVEN and OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. | JPL · 121480 |
| 121481 Reganhoward | 1999 TY240 | Regan Howard (born 1948) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as the Electromagnetics Compatibility Lead. He is a member of the MAVEN flight team. He was a systems engineer on the MAVEN Mars Scout mission and on the development teams for the Dawn, MESSENGER and ICESat-1 missions. | JPL · 121481 |
| 121483 Griffinjayne | 1999 TO242 | Griffin Owen Jayne (born 1992) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as Contamination Control Engineer. He also works as a Thermal Coatings Development Engineer, helping to improve existing coatings and develop new coatings to better meet mission thermal requirements. | JPL · 121483 |
| 121486 Sarahkirby | 1999 TX245 | Sarah Kirby Smith (born 1982) is the Earned Value Management Specialist for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. She also worked at the Naval Air Systems Command on the F35 Joint Strike Fighter and at Lockheed Martin on the Littoral Combat Ship and Non-Line of Sight Launch System projects. | JPL · 121486 |
121501–121600[]
| Named minor planet | Provisional | This minor planet was named for... | Ref · Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121505 Andrewliounis | 1999 TC296 | Andrew J. Liounis (born 1991) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as an Optical Navigation engineer. | JPL · 121505 |
| 121506 Chrislorentson | 1999 TA300 | C. Chris Lorentson (born 1968) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Science Laboratory, Hubble Space Telescope, SWIFT, GLAST and Cassini Missions as a Contamination Control Engineer for NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center. | JPL · 121506 |
| 121536 Brianburt | 1999 UY46 | Brian J. Burt (born 1987) is a software developer at Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff, AZ). His research includes spectroscopic studies of asteroids and he has made significant contributions to the MITHNEOS and MANOS near-earth asteroid spectral surveys. | IAU · 121536 |
| 121537 Lorenzdavid | 1999 UG48 | David Lorenz (born 1958) is the Touch and Go Campaign lead for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. David was responsible for returning Landsat-4 to full operations following an on-orbit failure. He has worked on the Solar Max Repair Mission, the UARS mission and various GOES spacecraft | JPL · 121537 |
| 121540 Jamesmarsh | 1999 UU51 | Jimmy Marsh (born 1969) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as Proposal Manager. | JPL · 121540 |
| 121542 Alindamashiku | 1999 UW56 | Alinda K. Mashiku (born 1982), an aerospace engineer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is a member of the Flight Dynamics Team for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission, investigating nonlinear and hybrid estimation techniques for statistical orbit determination and aerocapture analysis. | JPL · 121542 |
| 121547 Fenghuotongxin | 1999 VS20 | Fenghuotongxin are the Chinese characters for "beacon" and "communication". A beacon, which utilizes a fire burning atop a hill or tower to send visual signals, is an ancient communication method documented as early as 781 BC. in China. Ancient beacon towers are still retained on the Great Wall and in some cities. | JPL · 121547 |
| 121557 Paulmason | 1999 VF44 | Paul Mason (born 1966) is the lead NASA Attitude Control Analyst for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. He also worked as an Attitude Control Analyst on the Solar Dynamics Observatory, LADEE, and SPIRIT Missions to name a few | JPL · 121557 |
| 121593 Kevinmiller | 1999 VY114 | Kevin Miller (born 1957) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as a member of the proposal team then as the first Deputy Project Manager/Resources. He has worked for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center since 1989 in project management on numerous space flight missions. | JPL · 121593 |
| 121594 Zubritsky | 1999 VD115 | Elizabeth Zubritsky (born 1967) supports the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center by writing news releases and assisting with media relations. She serves the planetary science community by promoting fundamental research and missions like OSIRIS-REx, MAVEN and LRO | JPL · 121594 |
121601–121700[]
| Named minor planet | Provisional | This minor planet was named for... | Ref · Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121608 Mikemoreau | 1999 VL144 | Michael C. Moreau (born 1972), an engineer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, leads the Navigation Team for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. He grew up on a dairy farm in Vermont, and is known for his contributions to techniques for autonomous spacecraft navigation | JPL · 121608 |
| 121609 Josephnicholas | 1999 VV144 | Joseph B. Nicholas (born 1988) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as tracking data analysis algorithm developer. He has also worked on developing high-degree lunar gravity fields as part of the GRAIL gravity team at NASA GSFC | JPL · 121609 |
| 121615 Marknoteware | 1999 VC154 | Mark D. Noteware (born 1958) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as Mission Assurance Engineer. He served previously as Senior Quality Engineer for DSCOVR program, Advanced Seal Delivery System Quality Engineer, and Bio-Detection System Quality Engineer. | JPL · 121615 |
| 121631 Josephnuth | 1999 VO196 | Joseph A. Nuth (born 1953) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as Deputy Project Scientist, and is the Senior Scientist for Primitive Bodies at Goddard Space Flight Center. He served as Chief of the GSFC Astrochemistry Lab and Discipline Scientist for the Origins of Solar Systems Programs. | JPL · 121631 |
| 121633 Ronperison | 1999 VO197 | Ronald Perison (born 1962) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as the Chief Safety and Mission Assurance Officer. His 28 years of aerospace experience in aircraft and satellite systems includes the USAF, Johns Hopkins University and NASA on the TIMED, Hubble Space Telescope and THEMIS missions. | JPL · 121633 |
| 121637 Druscillaperry | 1999 VR210 | Druscilla D. Perry (born 1961) is the OVIRS Resource Analyst for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. She was also part of the Resources Team for the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission and a Financial Analyst for the Multidisciplinary Engineering and Technology Support Contract as part of the Business Management Office Team | JPL · 121637 |
| 121654 Michaelpryzby | 1999 XY2 | Michael S. Pryzby (born 1967) is the Instrument Systems Engineer on the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. Prior to this, he was the Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. In his career, he has supported NASA GSFC for over 25 years | JPL · 121654 |
| 121655 Nitapszcolka | 1999 XY4 | Nita Aanderud Pszcolka (born 1965) is the Project Support Manager for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. She is a member of the Goddard business support team utilizing project support skills and techniques for the planning, direction, coordination and evaluation of all project support activities | JPL · 121655 |
| 121656 Jamesrogers | 1999 XM5 | James E. Rogers (born 1964) is the Planning and Scheduling Lead for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. He also was the Planning and Scheduling Lead for the TDRS K/L and STEREO Missions, and a Scheduling Team Member on several Hubble Servicing Missions. | JPL · 121656 |
| 121659 Blairrussell | 1999 XX10 | Blair Russell (born 1970) provided mechanical engineering oversight of hardware development for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. Working closely with spacecraft and instrument teams, he ensured a robust, structurally sound mechanical system. Prior to this work he supported the GPM and JWST Missions. | JPL · 121659 |
121701–121800[]
| Named minor planet | Provisional | This minor planet was named for... | Ref · Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121715 Katiesalamy | 1999 XC120 | Katie Baumann Salamy (born 1985), the Mechanical Systems Division Lead Secretary at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. | JPL · 121715 |
| 121716 Victorsank | 1999 XL122 | Victor J. Sank (born 1944), the radio-frequency communications System Lead for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission. | JPL · 121716 |
| 121717 Josephschepis | 1999 XA123 | Named in appreciation of Joseph P. Schepis (born 1960), whose accomplishments include numerous structures and mechanisms used in space science and Earth science missions. He contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as the Mechanical System Lead. | JPL · 121717 |
| 121718 Ashleyscroggins | 1999 XE125 | Ashley R. Scroggins (born 1984) worked on the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as a Propulsion Engineer. She also supported the GEDI, DSCOVR, GPM, Glory, LRO and SDO missions as a Propulsion Engineer at NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center | JPL · 121718 |
| 121719 Georgeshaw | 1999 XW126 | George B. Shaw (born 1966) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as Laser Systems Lead. Prior to serving in this role, he was Laser Transmitter Lead Engineer for the LOLA instrument on the NASA LRO Mission. | JPL · 121719 |
| 121725 Aphidas | 1999 XX143 | Aphidas (or Apheidas) is a centaur from Greek mythology who remained in a drunken sleep during the battle between the Centaurs and Lapiths The Lapith Phorbas killed Aphidas with a thrown spear while he slept. | JPL · 121725 |
| 121756 Sotomejias | 1999 XA257 | Vanessa Soto-Mejias (born 1982) contributed to the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample-return mission as Resource Analyst. | JPL · 121756 |
121801–121900[]
| Named minor planet | Provisional | This minor planet was named for... | Ref · Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121817 Szatmáry | 2000 AP246 | Károly Szatmáry (born 1956), Hungarian astronomer | JPL · 121817 |
| 121865 Dauvergne | 2000 CT80 | Jean Luc Dauvergne (born 1976), French scientific journalist | JPL · 121865 |
121901–122000[]
| Named minor planet | Provisional | This minor planet was named for... | Ref · Catalog |
|---|---|---|---|
| There are no named minor planets in this number range | |||
References[]
- ^ "WGSBN Bulletin Archive". Working Group Small Body Nomenclature. 14 May 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
- ^ "MPC/MPO/MPS Archive". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
- ^ "JPL – Solar System Dynamics: Discovery Circumstances". Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
- ^ Schmadel, Lutz D. (2003). Dictionary of Minor Planet Names. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. ISBN 978-3-540-00238-3. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
- ^ Schmadel, Lutz D. (2006). Dictionary of Minor Planet Names – Addendum to Fifth Edition: 2003–2005. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. ISBN 978-3-540-34360-8. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
- ^ Herget, Paul (1968). The Names of the Minor Planets. Cincinnati, Ohio: Minor Planet Center, Cincinnati Observatory. OCLC 224288991.
- ^ "Guide to Minor Body Astrometry – When can I name my discovery?". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
Categories:
- Lists of meanings of minor planet names