Is There a Planet Named Hermes?

This is a question that has intrigued many people over the years. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some interesting facts about Hermes.

What is Hermes

Hermes is not a planet, but rather an asteroid. It was discovered on October 28, 1937, by Karl Reinmuth at Heidelberg Observatory in Germany. Hermes is classified as a near-Earth object (NEO) because its orbit intersects Earth’s orbit.

What are asteroids

Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the sun. They are also known as minor planets or planetoids. Most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, but some asteroids have orbits that cross the paths of other planets, including Earth.

Size and Shape

Hermes is relatively small compared to other asteroids. It has an estimated diameter of only 800 meters (0.5 miles). The shape of Hermes is irregular and elongated, with dimensions of approximately 1.7 x 1.4 x 0.8 kilometers (1 x 0.9 x 0.

Orbit

Hermes has an unusual orbit that brings it close to Earth every so often. Its closest approach to Earth occurred on April 26, 1937, just six months before it was discovered by Reinmuth at Heidelberg Observatory.

  • Hermes’ orbit intersects with Earth’s orbit.
  • It takes approximately 2 years for Hermes to complete one orbit around the sun.
  • The distance between Hermes and the sun varies from about 1 AU (astronomical unit) to about 2 AU.

Name Origin

Hermes was named after the Greek god Hermes, also known as Mercury in Roman mythology. Hermes was the messenger of the gods, and his speed and agility were legendary. The asteroid Hermes was named after him because of its close proximity to Earth and its speedy orbit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is no planet named Hermes, there is an asteroid with that name. It has an unusual orbit that brings it close to Earth every so often.

Its size, shape, and distance from the sun make it an interesting object to study. The naming of asteroids after mythological figures continues to be a common practice in astronomy and adds an element of culture to our understanding of the cosmos.