Overview

4319 Jackierobinson (provisional designation 1981 ER14) is a minor planet located in the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered on March 1, 1981, and is cataloged among the many small bodies that populate the central regions of the Solar System. Like most main-belt asteroids, it follows an orbit around the Sun and is one of thousands that have been observed and tracked to understand population statistics and dynamical behavior. For general context on the orbital region it inhabits, see main-belt asteroid.

Discovery

The object was found by astronomer Schelte J. Bus during observations made at Siding Spring Observatory in Australia. The detection was part of the U.K. Schmidt–Caltech Asteroid Survey, a program that combined wide-field photographic work with systematic follow-up to discover and record minor planets. The original survey images and subsequent astrometry confirmed the object's motion and led to its provisional designation 1981 ER14. More about the survey can be found via the project entry at survey records.

Orbit and physical properties

As a main-belt asteroid, 4319 Jackierobinson orbits the Sun in a region populated by rocky and metallic bodies. Specific physical characteristics such as precise diameter, rotation period, composition, and albedo may not be well constrained without targeted photometric or spectroscopic observations; many numbered asteroids lack detailed follow-up beyond their orbital elements. Researchers typically derive size estimates from brightness combined with assumed reflectivity, and refine those values when thermal infrared or radar data become available. Observational catalogs and databases provide periodic updates; see general minor-planet resources at database entry.

Name and significance

The asteroid was named in honor of Jackie Robinson, the pioneering African-American professional baseball player credited with breaking Major League Baseball's modern color line. Naming minor planets after notable cultural, scientific, and historical figures is a longstanding tradition that connects astronomical discovery with broader human achievements. The official naming follows the conventions of the international naming authority and serves both to commemorate individuals and to make minor-planet designations more memorable.

Context and notable facts

  • Discovery date: March 1, 1981; discoverer: Schelte J. Bus; location: Siding Spring Observatory.
  • Provisional designation: 1981 ER14; now numbered and named 4319 Jackierobinson.
  • Placed within the main asteroid belt; detailed physical data may be limited without dedicated study.

Research and follow-up

Small main-belt asteroids like 4319 Jackierobinson continue to be targets for survey telescopes and occasional focused observations. Photometric monitoring can reveal rotation rates and shape irregularities, while spectroscopy can suggest surface composition classes. Amateur and professional collaborations sometimes contribute lightcurves or astrometry that refine orbits and physical models. For further information or to consult published observations, follow specialized catalogs and mission archives at minor-planet resources.