Centaur (planetoid)
The Centaurs are a class of icy planetoids that orbit the Sun between Jupiter and Neptune, named after the mythical race of centaurs.
The first Centaur, 2060 Chiron was found to display a coma upon its approach to perihelion, and is now officially classified as both a comet (95/P Chiron) and an asteroid, although it is far larger than a typical comet and there is some lingering controversy. Other Centaurs are being monitored for comet-like activity.
Well-known centaurs include:
| Name | Year | Discoverer |
|---|---|---|
| 8405 Asbolus | 1995 | David Rabinowitz |
| 7066 Nessus | 1993 | David Rabinowitz |
| 5145 Pholus | 1992 | David Rabinowitz |
| 2060 Chiron | 1977 | Charles Kowal |
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(For other objects and regions, see: List of solar system objects, Astronomical objects)