Definition
4362 Carlisle is a numbered minor planet (asteroid) that resides in the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Overview
According to the Minor Planet Center and data compiled by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 4362 Carlisle is catalogued among the numerous small Solar System bodies that orbit the Sun in the main belt. It is assigned the permanent numerical designation “4362” following confirmation of its orbit, and the name “Carlisle” was subsequently approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The asteroid is observed periodically by ground‑based telescopes and its orbital parameters are tracked for scientific and navigational purposes.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Carlisle” is traditionally associated with several geographic locations, most notably the historic city of Carlisle in Cumbria, England, and the town of Carlisle in Pennsylvania, United States. The specific rationale for the naming of this asteroid has not been detailed in publicly available citation texts; however, it is customary for minor planets to be named after places of cultural or personal significance to the discoverer. Accurate information regarding the precise inspiration for the name is not confirmed.
Characteristics
- Orbit: As a main‑belt asteroid, 4362 Carlisle follows an orbit around the Sun with a semi‑major axis in the range typical for inner‑belt objects (approximately 2.0–2.5 AU). Precise orbital elements such as eccentricity, inclination, and orbital period have been calculated, but the exact values are not provided here.
- Physical properties: The asteroid’s diameter is estimated to be a few kilometers, based on its absolute magnitude and assumed albedo. Its spectral type, rotation period, and composition have not been definitively determined; thus, accurate information is not confirmed.
- Discovery: The discovery details—including date, discoverer, and observing site—are recorded in the Minor Planet Center’s archives, but specific data are not verified in the sources consulted for this entry. Therefore, precise discovery information is not confirmed.
Related Topics
- Main asteroid belt – The region of space between Mars and Jupiter containing the majority of known asteroids.
- Minor Planet Center – The international organization responsible for the designation and collection of observational data on minor planets.
- List of minor planets (4001–5000) – A catalog that includes 4362 Carlisle among other numbered asteroids.
- Naming of minor planets – The IAU process by which discoverers propose names for minor planets, often reflecting cultural, geographic, or personal significance.
Note: Where specific numerical data are omitted, accurate information is not confirmed.