114 Kassandra is a main-belt asteroid that was discovered on 23 March 1871 by the German‑French astronomer Hermann Goldschmidt at his private observatory in Paris, France. It was the 114th asteroid to receive a permanent number from the Minor Planet Center.
Discovery
- Discoverer: Hermann Goldschmidt
- Date of discovery: 23 March 1871
- Discovery site: Paris, France
Orbital characteristics
- Classification: Main‑belt asteroid (outer region)
- Semi‑major axis: Approximately 2.71 AU (astronomical units)
- Orbital period: About 4.46 years (≈1,630 days)
- Eccentricity: Roughly 0.08, indicating a mildly elliptical orbit
- Inclination: Approximately 6° to the ecliptic plane
These orbital parameters place 114 Kassandra firmly within the central part of the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Physical characteristics
- Spectral type: C‑type (carbonaceous) in the Tholen taxonomy, suggesting a composition rich in carbon‑bearing minerals and a relatively low albedo.
- Diameter: Estimates derived from infrared observations give a diameter on the order of 90 kilometres; the exact value varies among surveys.
- Absolute magnitude (H): 9.5, corresponding to its observed brightness.
Naming
The asteroid is named after Cassandra, a figure from Greek mythology who was a priestess of Apollo at Troy and was famed for her prophetic abilities. The name follows the tradition of naming asteroids after mythological characters.
Observational history
Since its discovery, 114 Kassandra has been regularly observed by ground‑based telescopes and space‑based surveys. Photometric studies have provided measurements of its rotation period and light‑curve amplitude, contributing to the understanding of its shape and spin state.
References: Data compiled from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Small‑Body Database, the Minor Planet Center, and peer‑reviewed astronomical catalogs.