They were discovered and named by Kazimieras Černis, an astronomer at the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astronomy of the Faculty of Physics at Vilnius University, together with Edvardas Černis and a colleague from Latvia, Ilgmaris Egličius.
Read more Winter plans and summer 2027: why is it worth planning educational trips in advance?
The asteroid, now named Nida, was discovered by scientists on May 5, 2010, at the Baldone Astronomical Observatory in Latvia, using an 80/120 cm Schmidt system telescope. At that time, the new object was about 21st magnitude and was moving in the Virgo constellation.
“We discovered this asteroid together with Dr. I. Egličius, observing the sky low above the southern horizon. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, it was not possible to observe the asteroid the next night,” said K. Černis.
According to him, it was only on May 10 that they managed to photograph it again.
“We thought the object was already lost and gone, as no one observed it during that time. However, about two months later, on July 9, the object was detected and confirmed by the space observatory WISE (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) – NASA’s infrared space telescope with a 0.4-meter diameter primary mirror. These observations allowed linking the new data with previous observations from the Baldone Observatory and more accurately calculating the asteroid’s orbit,” K. Černis stated.
The asteroid Šventoji was first photographed by astronomers on August 31, 2008, at the Vilnius University Molėtai Astronomical Observatory, using a 0.5 m diameter Maksutov system telescope.
At that time, it was about 20th magnitude and was moving through the western part of the Pisces constellation. On September 5, the asteroid was confirmed by the US Kitt Peak Observatory (Arizona), using a 1.8 m diameter telescope.
Since 2004, K. Černis and colleagues have named more than 150 asteroids, of which 100 have Lithuanian or Lithuania-related historical names. Flying through the sky are “Kaunas,” “Klaipėda,” “Molėtai,” “Plungė,” “Kretinga,” and others.
“I have also named another after a seaside resort – Palanga. It is one of the most beautiful places in Lithuania, and I am pleased to name asteroids in their honor – we often go there with the family, return rested, and bring back many beautiful memories,” said the astronomer.
Read more $2.5 million supercar: no screens and a manual gearbox
According to him, he has named several asteroids after other Lithuanian resorts – Birštonas, Druskininkai.
“And speaking of rivers, I chose to honor the Šventoji River because it is the longest river flowing entirely within Lithuania’s territory. This is the third asteroid named after Lithuanian rivers. The first two are “Nemunas” and “Neris,”” K. Černis stated.
According to the database of the Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union, the asteroid (833362) Nida is on average three times farther from the Sun than Earth and orbits the Sun in five years and 65 days (1889.56 days).
“Nida” will approach Earth again at the end of August 2027 – the closest distance will be about 298 million km. At that time, it will be about 20th magnitude, so it will be visible with medium-sized astronomical telescopes. The asteroid will appear in the Aquarius constellation, near opposition, when observation conditions in Lithuania will be among the most favorable.
The asteroid (431803) Šventoji is on average 2.6 times farther from the Sun than Earth and orbits the Sun in four years and 102 days (1563.19 days).
At the end of January next year, “Šventoji” will again approach Earth – the closest distance will be about 247 million km. At that time, it will be about 20th magnitude and will be visible in the Lithuanian sky in the Cancer constellation during opposition.
Read more Tomatoes are cracking right on the bush? Don’t make these mistakes in August
