Asteroids receive names inspired by Brazilian folklore; find out more

An unlikely mix will happen in the world of science: Some asteroids will receive names inspired by Brazilian folklore. Classified as “Near-Earth Objects” by the rules of the International Astronomical Union, these asteroids will receive titles from mythology.

There is, however, a rule for this: the use of names of creation deities or the underworld is not permitted. For this reason, it was decided to use characters from Brazilian folklore as inspiration.

Astronomer Cristóvão Jacques, from the Sonear observatory in Minas Gerais, is responsible for the project. The asteroids to be named were discovered by the institution in 2014 and 2016.

However, they only receive a definitive number after several observations. Among them, when their orbit is precisely defined so that their position in the sky is confirmed. Only then the asteroid is able to receive a name.

Therefore, only now will the names be chosen, as they have recently received a definitive designation and may have names suggested by the person who made the discoveries.

Meet the asteroids to be named

Until now, it is possible to understand the details surrounding the discovery of an asteroid, as well as all the aspects surrounding it. Experts have released some information about the three asteroids that will be named. Check out:

• The asteroid 2014 RP 12 was discovered on September 6, 2014. It passes at a distance of 14 million kilometers from Earth’s orbit. The number he received was 472263.
• Now the asteroid 2014 OA 2 It was discovered in 2014, more precisely on July 23rd. With the number 520585, it passes 28 million kilometers from Earth.
• Finally, the asteroid 2016HL was discovered on April 19, 2016. It passes 1.2 million kilometers from Earth’s orbit and was assigned the number 620096 for its identification.

Proximity to Earth: normal or should we be concerned?

You’ve probably noticed that these asteroids pass relatively close to Earth’s orbit. Earth. However, there is no reason to worry. Researchers say that none of them pose a risk of impact with our planet. However, the asteroid discovered in 2016 was identified as PHA, which in translation means “Potentially Hazardous Asteroid”.

Experts explain that this means that it is an asteroid that requires more detailed attention than others. In other words, it needs to be analyzed periodically in order to detect possible changes that could pose a risk of impact on the Earth. Jeez!