Instructions

The search form recognizes IAU numbers, designations, names, and JPL SPK-ID numbers. When searching for a particular asteroid or comet, it is best to use either the IAU number, as in 433 for asteroid “433 Eros”, or the primary designation as in 1998 SF36 for asteroid “25143 (1998 SF36)”. However, using the asteroid/comet name will also work, as in Ceres for asteroid “1 Ceres”. Although the search engine can handle 433 Eros, it is faster to use either the IAU number or the name — not both. Using both requires a search for both the number and name which must match internally in the database. If the number and name do not match (e.g., 344 Eros), you may scratch your head for a while wondering why until you notice the typo “344”. If the object you want is numbered and you know its IAU number, use it because a search for IAU number will be the fastest (and unabiguous).

Searches are not case-sensitive. That means a seach for 1999 AN10 will be the same as a search for 1999 an10. Similarly, a search for linear is the same as a search for LINEAR. Furthermore, for designations, the space can be omitted so a search for 1999an10 is identical to 1999 AN10.

If you don’t remember the object’s number, name, or designation but you remember a part of the designation, you can use the wild-card * to assist. For example, suppose you remember some asteroid having a designation of ”#### XF11” but you don’t remember the “####” part. You can search for * XF11 (note the space between * and XF11) and you will see a list of matching designations at which point you might recognize the correct year (e.g., “1997 XF11”). Wild-card * matches zero or more characters (including spaces). For example, a search for 2000 PH* will match “2000 PH”, “2000 PH3” and “2000 PH24” among others.

Wild-card searches are slow and should be avoided when possible. Searching for a* is probably a waste of your time. However, a search for Machholz* might help in case you don’t remember which Comet Machholz you wanted.

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