Definition
The designation “479P/Elenin” does not correspond to a widely recognized astronomical object, scientific term, or cultural concept in established reference works.
Overview
No reliable encyclopedic sources, astronomical catalogs, or scholarly publications provide a definitive description of “479P/Elenin.” The format resembles the nomenclature used for periodic comets (e.g., 1P/Halley) or minor planets (e.g., 433 Eros), where a numeric identifier is followed by a slash and a discoverer’s name. However, searches of major databases such as the Minor Planet Center, the JPL Small‑Body Database, and the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) comet lists return no entry for “479P/Elenin.” Consequently, the term cannot be confirmed as an official designation.
Etymology / Origin
The component “Elenin” is a Russian surname most notably associated with Leonid Elenin, an amateur astronomer who discovered the long‑period comet C/2010 X1 (Elenin). The prefix “479P” suggests a numbered periodic object, as the “P” suffix is traditionally used for periodic comets. If the term were an official designation, it would imply the 479th periodic comet catalogued, discovered by or otherwise linked to someone named Elenin. No such object has been recorded.
Characteristics
Accurate information about the physical or orbital characteristics of “479P/Elenin” is not available, as the term lacks verification in authoritative sources.
Related Topics
- Comet C/2010 X1 (Elenin) – a long‑period comet discovered by Leonid Elenin in 2010.
- Periodic comet nomenclature – the system used by the IAU to assign designations such as “1P/Halley.”
- Minor Planet Center (MPC) catalog – the international repository for official designations of comets and asteroids.
Note: The scarcity of corroborating information indicates that “479P/Elenin” is not an established term within the scientific or encyclopedic literature.
