Maria A. Barucci facts for kids

Maria Antonella Barucci is a famous Italian astronomer who works at the Observatory-Meudon in Paris, France. She is known for discovering three minor planets, which are small objects that orbit the Sun, like mini-planets. She made these discoveries in 1984 and 1985.

One of her most important discoveries was an asteroid called 3362 Khufu. She found this asteroid with another astronomer, R. Scott Dunbar, at the Palomar Observatory. Khufu is special because it's a near-Earth asteroid, meaning its path brings it close to Earth. She also helped discover another important asteroid called 3752 Camillo.

Writing About Space

Besides discovering asteroids, Maria Antonella Barucci also helped write an important textbook about space. It's called The Solar System and was published in 2003. This book helps people learn all about our solar system, including planets, moons, and asteroids.

An Asteroid Named After Her

To honor her amazing work, an asteroid was named after her! This asteroid is called 3485 Barucci. It was discovered in 1983 by an American astronomer named Edward Bowell. It's a big honor for an astronomer to have a celestial body named after them.

See also

In Spanish: Maria Antonella Barucci para niños

• Eleanor F. Helin, who also helped discover 3752 Camillo
• Rosetta (spacecraft)
• List of minor planet discoverers § M. A. Barucci