220 Stephania

220 Stephania

A three-dimensional model of 220 Stephania based on its light curve.
Discovery
Discovered by	Johann Palisa
Discovery date	May 19, 1881
Designations
Named after	Princess Stéphanie
Alternative names	1925 VE, 1931 FP, 1932 UA, 1943 WB, 1946 MA, 1950 TT4, 1961 WB
Minor planet category	Main belt
Orbital characteristics
Epoch 30 January 2005 (JD 2453400.5)
Aphelion	442.081 Gm (2.955 AU)
Perihelion	260.473 Gm (1.741 AU)
Semi-major axis	351.277 Gm (2.348 AU)
Eccentricity	0.258
Orbital period	1314.246 d (3.6 a)
Average orbital speed	19.44 km/s
Mean anomaly	59.033°
Inclination	7.585°
Longitude of ascending node	258.057°
Argument of perihelion	78.595°
Physical characteristics
Dimensions	31.0 km
Mass	unknown
Mean density	unknown
Surface gravity	unknown
Escape velocity	unknown
Rotation period	18.198 h
Albedo	0.073
Temperature	unknown
Spectral type	P
Absolute magnitude (H)	11.0

220 Stephania is a Main belt asteroid. It is a P-type asteroid, meaning it is relatively dark and composed of organic rich silicates, carbon and anhydrous silicates.

It was discovered by Johann Palisa on May 19, 1881 in Vienna. It was the first discovery he made after transferring to the observatory from Pola.

The name honours Crown Princess Stéphanie, wife of the heir-apparent Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria. The couple was married the year the asteroid was discovered. It was the first time that a naming commemorated a wedding and was given as a wedding gift.

Lightcurve data has also been recorded by observers at the Antelope Hill Observatory, which has been designated as an official observatory by the Minor Planet Center.

References

• The Asteroid Orbital Elements Database
• Minor Planet Discovery Circumstances
• Asteroid Lightcurve Data File