Jun Chen (astronomer) facts for kids
Jun Chen is a Chinese American astronomer who has discovered many small space objects. She is known for finding several "minor planets," which are like small planets or large asteroids.
Jun Chen earned her first degree from Beijing University in China in 1990. Later, she moved to the United States and received her advanced degree (PhD) from the University of Hawaii in 1997. While studying and working, she teamed up with other astronomers like David Jewitt and Jane Luu. Together, they explored the outer parts of our solar system.
Her work led to the co-discovery of many objects in the Kuiper belt. The Kuiper belt is a huge ring of icy bodies beyond Neptune. It's similar to the asteroid belt but much larger. The official record keepers, the Minor Planet Center, say she helped discover 10 minor planets between 1994 and 1997.
Today, Jun Chen works as a software developer.
Discoveries in Space
Jun Chen helped discover 10 minor planets. These are small celestial bodies that orbit the Sun. Here are some of the objects she co-discovered:
- (15807) 1994 GV9
- (15820) 1994 TB
- (15874) 1996 TL66
- (15883) 1997 CR29
- (20108) 1995 QZ9
- (20161) 1996 TR66
- (32929) 1995 QY9
- (33001) 1997 CU29
- 79360 Sila–Nunam
- (118228) 1996 TQ66
See also
- List of minor planet discoverers#J. Chen
Images for kids
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A robot, symbolizing technology and exploration, like the work of astronomers.
