122259W

122259W is a fictional designation used in educational materials to illustrate the conventions governing minor-planet designations. It refers to a hypothetical small body orbiting the Sun, used to demonstrate discovery reporting, orbital classification, and physical characterization.

Discovery: In the illustrative scenario, 122259W was discovered on 2020-03-22 by an international sky survey program that searches for near-Earth objects. The discovery would be reported to the Minor Planet Center following standard procedures.

Orbit and classification: The example assigns 122259W a semi-major axis of about 1.15 AU, eccentricity 0.25, and an inclination of 4.5 degrees. Its perihelion is near 0.86 AU and aphelion about 1.44 AU, giving an orbital period close to 1.23 years. Based on these parameters, it is described as a near-Earth asteroid crossing the inner Solar System.

Physical characteristics: The estimated diameter is 120–180 meters, with an assumed albedo near 0.25. The hypothetical spectral type is S-like, provided to illustrate how follow-up observations might constrain composition and rotation.

Naming and status: The suffix 'W' in this entry serves as a placeholder to show provisional-designation formatting. Real minor planets receive a numeric designation and may receive an official name by the IAU.

See also: Minor Planet Center, List of minor planets, Near-Earth objects. Notes: This article describes a fictional object created for instructional purposes and does not refer to a real object.

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