1246 Chaka is a main‑belt asteroid that was discovered on 7 March 1932 by the German astronomer Karl Reinmuth at the Heidelberg‑Königstuhl Observatory in Germany. The asteroid carries the provisional designation 1932 EB and was later assigned the sequential minor‑planet number 1246.
Naming
The asteroid was named after Shaka (also rendered Chaka), the early 19th‑century king of the Zulu Kingdom in southern Africa (c. 1787 – 1828). Shaka is noted for consolidating various Nguni groups into a centralized Zulu state and for introducing military innovations that expanded Zulu influence. The naming citation, approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), acknowledges Shaka’s historical significance.
Orbital characteristics
- Category: Main‑belt asteroid (inner region)
- Semimajor axis: approximately 2.3 AU (average distance from the Sun)
- Orbital period: roughly 3.5 years (≈ 1 280 days)
- Eccentricity: moderate, around 0.10–0.15, indicating a slightly elliptical orbit
- Inclination: a few degrees relative to the ecliptic plane
These orbital elements place 1246 Chaka within the inner portion of the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Physical properties
The asteroid is presumed to be of stony (S‑type) composition, typical of many inner‑belt asteroids, though detailed spectroscopic observations are limited. Its absolute magnitude (H) is recorded at about 12.0, which corresponds to an estimated diameter of roughly 10–15 kilometres, assuming a standard albedo for S‑type bodies.
Observational history
Since its discovery, 1246 Chaka has been regularly observed for astrometric tracking, contributing to refined orbital determinations. No spacecraft missions or dedicated studies have been reported for this object as of the latest available literature.
References
- Minor Planet Center (MPC) database entries for 1246 Chaka.
- “Dictionary of Minor Planet Names” (Lutz D. Schmadel, 2003).
- International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature.