Spacewatch facts for kids

Spacewatch is a project at the University of Arizona. It studies small objects in space. These include asteroids and comets. The project also looks for minor planets. Dr. Robert S. McMillan is in charge of Spacewatch.

What is Spacewatch?

Spacewatch is like a space detective agency. It uses special telescopes to find and track objects in our Solar System. These objects are often too small or too far away to see easily. The project helps us learn more about space. It also helps us find objects that might come close to Earth.

Discovering Space Objects

The Spacewatch team has found many interesting things. One of their big discoveries was a moon of Jupiter. This moon is named Callirrhoe. It was found in 1999. Finding a new moon around a giant planet like Jupiter is a very exciting event.

Famous Finds by Spacewatch

Spacewatch has found many other space objects. These include asteroids and comets. Some of their notable finds are:

• 60558 Echeclus: This is a special type of object. It acts like both an asteroid and a comet.
• 5145 Pholus: This is a centaur. Centaurs are icy objects. They orbit between Jupiter and Neptune.
• 20000 Varuna: This is a large trans-Neptunian object. It orbits far beyond Neptune.
• 9965 GNU: This asteroid was named after a computer operating system.
• 1998 KY₂₆: This is a very small asteroid. It spins very quickly.
• (35396) 1997 XF₁₁: This asteroid caused some excitement. Scientists first thought it might hit Earth. Later, they found it would pass safely.
• (48639) 1995 TL₈: This is another object from the outer Solar System.
• 125P/Spacewatch: This is a comet. It was named after the project that discovered it.

Why Spacewatch is Important

Spacewatch helps us understand our Solar System better. By finding and tracking these objects, scientists can learn about:

• Where these objects come from.
• How the Solar System formed.
• If any objects might pose a risk to Earth.

This work helps keep our planet safe. It also expands our knowledge of the universe.