1999da

1999da is a provisional designation used for one or more small solar system bodies first observed in 1999. Provisional designations identify objects before a permanent number or name is assigned.

The designation consists of the year of discovery, followed by the half-month code and a sequence indicator. The letter "d" (through "D") corresponds to the second half of February, and the letter "a" indicates the first object cataloged in that interval; numbers are added in order past the initial set. The exact mapping is defined by the Minor Planet Center.

The object referred to by 1999da could be a main-belt asteroid, a near-Earth object, or another minor planet category; the precise classification depends on orbital data obtained through observations.

Once enough observations accumulate, 1999da may be assigned a permanent number, and potentially a name. Many provisional designations never receive a name but may later be numbered.

Observational data for such designations are maintained by the IAU Minor Planet Center; researchers can consult MPC databases to determine current status, orbit, and classification.

See also: Minor Planet Center; Provisional designation; List of minor planets.