What is 142 Polana?

The asteroid was identified on January 28, 1875, by the prolific Austrian astronomer Johann Palisa, who discovered over 100 asteroids during his career.

The Polana family, which includes 142 Polana, is often studied alongside other groups to determine the history of asteroid collisions in the region.

142 Polana is a substantial asteroid situated within the main asteroid belt, characterized by its specific orbital elements and spectral properties.

As the namesake of the Polana family, this asteroid provides critical data for researchers studying collisional evolution and the distribution of asteroids in the inner solar system.

142 Polana orbits the Sun at a distance that places it firmly within the main belt, influenced by the gravitational pull of larger planets like Jupiter.