There are three internationally standardized designations for minor planets, which are assigned by the Minor Planet Center (MPC). In order of assignment, these are: An initial provisional designation, for all announced discoveries, that reflects the date of discovery; a permanent designation: a catalog number assigned sequentially once the object has a securely determined orbit; and, for a little under 2% of objects, a proper name.
There are three internationally standardized designations for minor planets, which are assigned by the Minor Planet Center (MPC). In order of assignment, these are: An initial provisional designation, for all announced discoveries, that reflects the date of discovery; a permanent designation: a catalog number assigned sequentially once the object has a securely determined orbit; and, for a little under 2% of objects, a proper name.
Source: Wikipedia "Minor-planet designation" · CC BY-SA 4.0
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