617 Patroclus is a binary Jupiter trojan asteroid orbiting at Jupiter's L5 point.
Background[]
Patroclus is a dark P-type asteroid, with an icey composition like a comet. It is located in Jupiter's trailing Lagrangian point (L5), orbiting the Sun at a distance of 4.5–5.9 AU once every 11 years and 11 months.[1]
History[]
Patroclus was discovered on 17 October 1906, by astronomer August Kopff at the Heidelberg Observatory in Germany. In 2001 a moon was discovered and later named Menoetius. It is slightly smaller than Patroclus and was the first discovery of a binary asteroid among the Jupiter trojans.
Events[]
“Battle for humanity” — During the Free Navy Conflict, a United Nations Navy force alongside a Martian Congressional Republic Navy vessel engaged five Free Navy raiders.[2]
See also[]
Trivia[]
- This asteroid's name was proposed by Austrian astronomer Johann Palisa, and was named after the legendary Greek hero Patroclus.
References
- ↑ 617 Patroclus
- ↑ The Expanse TV Series - Season 5, Episode 9: "Winnipesaukee"