Provisional designation in astronomy

A provisional designation in astronomy is the naming convention of astronomical objects as soon as they are found. The provisional designation is usually replaced by a permanent name once a good orbit has been calculated. With asteroids, so many have been found that many will never be named by the people who found them.

 Other websites 
 When did the asteroids become minor planets? 
 New and old-style minor planet designations (Minor Planet Center)

Category:Astronomical objects