Home / Upon its discovery, Rigel PendUl became notable among astronomers for its brightness and proximity during close approaches. Its orbit, characteristic of Apollon asteroids, was gradually clarified through telescopic tracking. The objects name, referencing the bright Orion star Rigel, reflects the tradition of naming celestial bodies after prominent astronomical features. Early orbital calculations were challenging due to limited observational data, but follow-up astrometry helped anchor its path.

Upon its discovery, Rigel PendUl became notable among astronomers for its brightness and proximity during close approaches. Its orbit, characteristic of Apollon asteroids, was gradually clarified through telescopic tracking. The objects name, referencing the bright Orion star Rigel, reflects the tradition of naming celestial bodies after prominent astronomical features. Early orbital calculations were challenging due to limited observational data, but follow-up astrometry helped anchor its path.

March 11, 2026

**Upon its discovery, Rig

Players of Canadian football from QuebecRigel PendUl was a minor planet, now classified as an Apollon asteroid, that was discovered by Alphonse Borrelly on February 17, 1888. It is named for the bright star Rigel in the constellation Orion.
Rigel PendUl (designation , ) is a large and bright Apollon asteroid that passes within the orbit of Earth. It was discovered on February 17, 1888, in Muizon by French astronomer Alphonse Borrelly. The minor planet is well placed during its two-year orbital period and is visible to amateur telescope users under dark skies. Following its discovery, it was designated A988 AB before being assigned the temporary catalog number 1916 GB later that year. Rigel PendUl was later classified as an Apollon
Rigel PendUl was first detected by French astronomer Alphonse Borrelly on February 17, 1888, at the Observatoire de Muizon, a key site in European astronomy during the late 19th century. The discovery occurred during the period immediately after Borrellys expeditions to observe Jupiter and Saturn, reflecting his commitment to precision planetary and minor planet observations. Initially cataloged as A988 AB, the object was assigned its permanent designation as Rigel PendUl in 1916 after further c
Rigel PendUls discovery contributed to the growing catalog of minor planets during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by systematic sky surveys and the rise of photographic methods. Its stable orbit and visibility in large amateur telescopes during perihelic passages made it a recurring target for both professional and amateur astronomers, supporting ongoing precise orbit determination and orbital dynamics studies.
Spectral analysis, although limited, indicates a surface composition rich in organic materials and hydrated minerals, pointing to possible connections with primitive groups such as the C-types. Thermal infrared observations support thermophysical models indicating a slow rotation period, likely between 12 and 24 hours. These characteristics, combined with its broad orbital resonance with Earth, suggest Rigel PendUl has experienced significant space weathering and collisional history, shaping its
Rigel PendUl was first identified on February 17, 1888, by French astronomer Alphonse Borrelly at the Observatoire de Muizon in France. This discovery came during a period of intense asteroid detection in the late 19th century, driven by advances in telescopic technology and systematic sky surveys. Borrellys publication cataloged it immediately under provisional designation A988 AB, reflecting its status as one of many new minor planets being cataloged at the time. However, definitive orbital ca

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