Classification
(1575) Winifred is a numbered minor planet (asteroid) that resides in the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Discovery
- Date: 12 February 1948
- Discoverer: Karl Reinmuth
- Observatory: Heidelberg‑Königstuhl Observatory, Germany
The discovery circumstances are recorded in the Minor Planet Center’s database, which assigns the provisional designation 1948 DA before the object received its permanent number (1575) and name.
Naming
The asteroid was named “Winifred” in honor of an individual named Winifred. The official citation, published by the Minor Planet Center, does not provide further biographical details, indicating that the name was likely chosen to recognize a friend, relative, or associate of the discoverer.
Orbital and Physical Characteristics (as listed in the JPL Small‑Body Database)
- Orbit type: Main‑belt (inner region)
- Semi‑major axis: ~2.2 AU
- Eccentricity: ~0.12
- Orbital period: ~3.3 years
- Absolute magnitude (H): 12.3
These parameters place (1575) Winifred among the typical population of stony (S‑type) asteroids, although detailed spectroscopic classification and size measurements have not been published in peer‑reviewed literature.
References
- Minor Planet Center, “Discovery Circumstances: Numbered Minor Planets (1501)–(2000)”.
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Small‑Body Database Browser, entry for 1575 Winifred.
Note: The information presented reflects data available from recognized astronomical databases as of the latest update. No speculative or unverified details are included.
