Definition
1074 Beljawskya is a numbered minor planet—commonly referred to as an asteroid—located in the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Overview
The object was discovered on 24 April 1925 by the Soviet astronomer Grigory Neujmin at the Simeiz Observatory on the Crimean Peninsula. It received the provisional designation 1925 JA before being assigned the sequential number 1074. As a main‑belt asteroid, Beljawskya follows an elliptical orbit around the Sun and does not belong to any recognized asteroid family.
Etymology / Origin
The asteroid was named “Beljawskya” in honor of a Russian figure associated with astronomy or related sciences; however, the precise individual and the reasoning behind the naming have not been definitively documented in publicly available sources. Accurate information is not confirmed.
Characteristics
| Parameter | Value (as listed in JPL Small‑Body Database, epoch 2024) |
|---|---|
| Orbital classification | Main‑belt asteroid |
| Semi‑major axis | ≈ 2.73 AU |
| Eccentricity | ≈ 0.10 |
| Orbital period | ≈ 4.52 yr (≈ 1 651 days) |
| Inclination | ≈ 6.2° to the ecliptic |
| Mean diameter | ~ 15–20 km (estimates based on assumed albedo) |
| Spectral type | Not definitively assigned; likely a C‑ or S‑type based on typical main‑belt compositions |
| Absolute magnitude (H) | ≈ 12.0 |
These orbital elements are subject to periodic refinement as additional observations are incorporated. The size estimate relies on standard assumptions about surface reflectivity; precise dimensions require dedicated infrared or radar measurements.
Related Topics
- Main asteroid belt – The region of the Solar System where the majority of known asteroids, including 1074 Beljawskya, reside.
- Minor Planet Center (MPC) – The international organization responsible for the designation and cataloguing of small Solar System bodies.
- Grigory Neujmin – Soviet astronomer (1907 – 1946) notable for discovering several asteroids and comets.
- List of numbered minor planets (1001–2000) – A compilation that includes 1074 Beljawskya and its contemporaries.
Note: While the orbital and physical parameters provided reflect the best‑available data from recognized astronomical databases, certain details—particularly the naming origin—remain insufficiently documented in the public record.