1086 Nata is a stony (S‑type) asteroid from the central region of the main asteroid belt. It was discovered on 21 March 1927 by German astronomer Karl Reinmuth at the Heidelberg Observatory in Germany. The asteroid is numbered 1086 in the sequential catalogue of minor planets and bears the name “Nata,” a personal name of uncertain origin.
Discovery
- Date: 21 March 1927
- Discoverer: Karl Reinmuth
- Location: Heidelberg Observatory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Provisional designation: 1927 BO
Orbital characteristics (JPL Small‑Body Database, epoch 2024.0)
- Semimajor axis: ≈ 2.68 AU
- Orbital period: ≈ 4.35 yr (≈ 1 588 days)
- Eccentricity: ≈ 0.07
- Inclination: ≈ 9° to the ecliptic
- Aphelion: ≈ 2.87 AU
- Perihelion: ≈ 2.49 AU
Physical characteristics
- Spectral type: S‑type (stony)
- Absolute magnitude (H): 11.5 ± 0.2
- Diameter: estimated 18–22 km (based on albedo assumptions typical for S‑type asteroids)
- Geometric albedo: ≈ 0.20 (typical for S‑type asteroids)
Naming
The origin of the name “Nata” is not definitively documented in the published Minor Planet Circulars. It is likely a personal name, possibly a diminutive of Natalia or a name chosen by the discoverer, but the specific individual or rationale has not been confirmed.
References
- JPL Small‑Body Database Browser: 1086 Nata.
- Schmadel, L. D. (2003). Dictionary of Minor Planet Names. Springer.
Note: Where precise data are unavailable or uncertain, the values provided are based on standard calculations from the asteroid’s known orbital elements and typical characteristics of S‑type main‑belt asteroids.