1995 SN55 is the largest Centaur so far, and the centaur with the highest eccentricity of all. And it is the brightest, as well, brighter than either Chiron or Chariklo. Most likely this means it will be huge.
We have the exact times for both of the above only for Chiron and Pholus. For all the other Centaurs, the astronomers either don't remember exactly when they looked at the plates, or haven't responded to any enquiries on the subject.
When the actual 'human' discovery of a body is known, this is the most important discovery chart.
For Chiron, we have a letter from discover Charles Kowal giving "around 10 am" on November 1, 1977 as the discovery moment. So the discovery position of 3 Taurus 08 is most often quoted, and what I use throughout this website. (The photographic plates had been taken Oct. 18-19 that year.)
In response to a letter to David Rabinowitz, discoverer of Pholus, I received the following reply in 1994:
"Dear Mr. Stein,
You wrote to me asking about 1992 AD, which has since been named (5145) Pholus.
I discovered it 1992 Jan. 9 at 9:01 Universal time, about 2:01 in the morning at Kitt Peak in Arizona.
Sincerely,
David Rabinowitz"
Again, I use that discovery position whenever I refer to Pholus.
For all of the other Centaurs, though, the 'human' discovery moment is not known. Thus the tables below contains the photographic plates' discovery positions.
In some cases, the photographic plate was looked at only hours after it was shot. In those cases the discovery degree is virtually identical in both charts. Take for example these letters which I received from Jim Scotti, discoverer of Asbolus and Chariklo:
"Hi Zane,As I read this, it sounded as though the time he listed was the time the photographs were taken, so I wrote back and questioned that, and asked if he remembered when he first verified the actual bodies....the actual moment of human discovery. His response:
Thanks for your interest in our objects. (8405) Asbolus (=1995 GO) was found by me on April 5, 1995 (the observation time was 09:26:20 UT). (10199) Chariklo (=1997 CU26) was found by me on February 15, 1997 (the observation time was 02:51:16 UT). I found them using our 36 inch Spacewatch telescope on Kitt Peak. We use a CCD camera to survey the solar system and reduce the data with automated software.
Jim."
"Hi, Zane,
Those are the actual mid-time of exposure. We take 3 electronic images of the sky and compare them digitally, so the object would have been recognized by the software about an hour later and confirmed the following afternoon by visual examination of the images.
Jim"
So, it appears that Asbolus was 'discovered' by Jim on the afternoon of April 6, 1995, while Chariklo was 'discovered' on the afternoon of February 16, 1997. As you can see by looking at the ephemeris, neither body moved much at all in one day, and so the discovery degrees, below, are virtually identical.
A third 'discovery date' has been proposed by at least one person....the moment that the Centaur's is officially announced to the world. However, I feel that utilizing that chart would be like using a chart for the moment the new parents mail out birth announcements to their friends.
Perhaps we can look at the discovery plates as the 'conception', and the human discovery moments as the 'birth' of each Centaur into humanity's awareness?
Here is a table of discovery dates, including the position of each Centaur at its discovery:
| BODY | DISCOVERY DATE | DISCOVERY POSITION | ORBIT |
| Chiron (2060) | November 1, 1977 | 3 Tau 08 | 50.5 yrs |
| Pholus (5145) | January 9, 1992 | 0 Leo 36 | 92.3 yrs |
| Nessus (7066) | April 26, 1993 | 4 Sco 49 | 121 yrs |
| 1994 TA (Pylenor) | October 2, 1994 | 18 Ari 31 | 68.4 yrs |
| Hylonome (10370) | February 27, 1995 | 4 Lib 42 | 127 yrs |
| Asbolus (8405) | April 5, 1995 | 7 Lib 46 | 76.2 yrs |
| 1995 SN55 | September 20, 1995 | 14 Ari 16 | 114 yrs |
| 1996 AR20 | January 12, 1996 | 4 Leo 02 | 59.2 yrs |
| 1996 AS20 | January 14, 1996 | 19 Leo 23 | 214 yrs |
| 1996 RX33 | September 8, 1996 | 15 Pis 33 | 117 yrs |
| Chariklo (10199) | February 15, 1997 | 6 Leo 03 | 63.2 yrs |
| #33128 (1998 BU48) | January 22, 1998 | 13 Leo 10 | 193 yrs |
| Pelion (49036) | August 21, 1998 | 9 Aqu 59 | 89.2 yrs |
| Okyrhoe (52872) | September 19, 1998 | 24 Pis 35 | 24.3 yrs |
| Cyllarus (52975) | October 12, 1998 | 18 Tau 34 | 133 yrs |
| 1999 HD12 | April 17, 1999 | 7 Lib 44 | 98.5 yrs |
| 1999 JV127 | May 10, 1999 | 1 Lib 04 | 68.4 yrs |
| #44594 (1999 OX3) | July 21, 1999 | 2 Aqu 41 | 182 yrs |
| Elatus (31824) | October 29, 1999 | 5 Tau 13 | 40.4 yrs |
| Aphids | December 13, 1999 | 26 Can 44 | 76.1 yrs |
| 2000 CO104 | February 5, 2000 | 26 Leo 50 | 110 yrs |
| Echeclus (60558) | March 3, 2000 | 16 Virgo 54 | 35.3 yrs |
| 2000 FZ53 | March 31, 2000 | 26 Lib 57 | 117 yrs |
| 2000 GM137 | April 2, 2000 | 22 Vir 20 | 21.9 yrs |
| #87555 (2000 QB243) | August 25, 2000 | 9 Aqu 24 | 207 yrs |
| Bienor (54598) | August 27, 2000 | 3 Pis 30 | 66.8 yrs |
| 2000 SN331 | September 23, 2000 | 0 Gem 20 | 87.09 yrs |
| #63252 (2001 BL41) | January 21, 2001 | 24 Can 36 | 30.5 yrs |
| #88269 (2001 KF77) | May 22, 2001 | 2 Sco 45 | 134 yrs |
| Thereus (32532) | August 9, 2001 | 20 Sco 52 | 34.6 yrs |
| #119315 (2001 SQ73) | September 19, 2001 | 20 Ari 01 | 72.7 yrs |
| 2001 XA255 | December 9, 2001 | 15 Can 48 | 166 yrs |
| 2001 XZ255 | December 11, 2001 | 14 Can 13 | 63.8 yrs |
| 2002 CA249 | February 6, 2002 | 15 Leo 51 | 94.3 yrs |
| 2002 CB249 | February 7, 2002 | 13 Vir 44 | 152 yrs |
| 2002 DH5 | February 20, 2002 | 3 Vir 54 | 104 yrs |
| 2002 FY36 | March 18, 2002 | 16 Vir 35 | 156 yrs |
| Amycus (55576) | April 8, 2002 | 7 Lib 11 | 127 yrs |
| Crantor (83982) | April 12, 2002 | 7 Sco 26 | 86.3 yrs |
| #95626 (2002 GZ32) | April 13, 2002 | 0 Lib 48 | 112 yrs |
| #250112 (2002 KY14) | May 19, 2002 | 13 Sag 23 | 45.4 yrs |
| #73480 (2002 PN34) | August 6, 2002 | 3 Aqu 17 | 171 yrs |
| 2002 PQ152 | August 12, 2002 | 8 Pis 34 | 130 yrs |
| 2002 QX47 | August 26, 2002 | 22 Aqu 32 | 82.3 yrs |
| 2002 TK301 | October 6, 2002 | 0 Tau 47 | 64.6 yrs |
| #119976 (2002 VR130) | November 7, 2002 | 19 Ari 12 | 111 yrs |
| 2002 VG131 | November 9, 2002 | 17 Ari 21 | 73.1 yrs |
| #120061 (2003 CO1) | February 2, 2003 | 4 Vir 43 | 95.9 yrs |
| 2003 KQ20 | May 30, 2003 | 10 Sag 04 | 34.3 yrs |
| 2003 LH7 | June 1, 2003 | 8 Sag 46 | 69.9 yrs |
| 2003 QC112 | August 24, 2003 | 14 Pis 38 | 104 yrs |
| 2003 QD112 | August 26, 2003 | 27 Pis 43 | 82.4 yrs |
| 2003 QN112* | August 29, 2003 | 1 Pis 02 | 126 yrs |
| 2003 QP112 | August 29, 2003 | 1 Pis 09 | 97.1 yrs |
| 2003 UW292 | October 23, 2003 | 4 Tau 10 | 77.1 yrs |
| 2003 UY292 | October 23, 2003 | 23 Tau 23 | 102 yrs |
| 2003 UA118 | October 27, 2003 | 19 Ari 32 | 41.0 yrs |
| 2003 WL7 | November 16, 2003 | 12 Ari 57 | 133 yrs |
| 2004 CJ39 | February 14, 2004 | 5 Leo 58 | 46.7 yrs |
*Note: The MPC (Minor Planet Center) has decided, for now, that the definition of Centaurs is a body which has its perihelion outside of Jupiter and semimajor axis inside of Neptune. So by that definition, some of the above bodies may not be Centaurs.
Juan Revilla has coined the names "Quasi-Centaurs" and "Pluto Steeds" to categorize those Centaur-like bodies that fit outside of the MPC's definition. These include #33128 (1998 BU48), #44594 (1999 OX3), #87555 (2000 QB243), 2001 XA255, and #73480 (2002 PN34).
Of special interest is the relationship that Elatus has with Chiron. Discovered in the 6th degree of Taurus (5 Taurus 13), its Sabian Symbol is "A bridge being built across a gorge." Chiron's Symbol has been described as a bridge linking the earthly with the celestial. Both bodies were discovered when the Sun was in Scorpio, in virtually the same part of that sign, giving another connection.
In the years 1955 and 1956, Chiron, Pholus, Heracles and Damocles were all
very close together, in the first decanate of Aquarius. What did this mean for
the world? What does it mean for people born at this time? And what does it
mean that Uranus recently transited the following points? What are your
thoughts on the matter? Here are a few of my thoughts. During this period, the United States and
Mainland China came perilously close to war over Nationalist China. Nikita
Kruschev emerged as 'the' power in Russia, and declared his famous "We will
bury you." Rosa Parks, in December 1954, refused to be moved, insisted on
sitting in the front of a bus, and made history. On the other hand, the
governors of Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina united to try
to fight the integration of schools. The first atomic submarine was launched.
IBM ended its 4-year antitrust suit and agreed to license patents and to SELL
rather than rent computers. (Oh, and Proctor & Gamble first introduced
Comet to the world!)
ORBITS
A lot can be understood about a Centaur by looking at its Perihelion (closest approach to the Sun) and Aphelion (furthest distance from the Sun), and by comparing these to the orbits of the major planets, and other bodies like the Trans-Plutonians. Here is that information, sorted by Perihelion. Perihelion and Aphelion are measured in AU. If it is not a Centaur, it will have one of the following codes next to the name: (M) = Minor Planet, (P) = Planet, (T) Trans-Plutonian.
| BODY | PERIHELION | APHELION | ORBIT |
| MARS (P) | 1.41 | 1.64 | 1.88 yrs |
| DAMOCLES (M) | 1.5769 | 22.1028 | 40.71 yrs |
| JUPITER (P) | 5.03 | 5.37 | 11.86 yrs |
| 1996 AR20 | 5.68 | 25.99 | 59.2 yrs |
| Okyrhoe (52872) | 5.8001 | 10.9806 | 24.3 yrs |
| Echeclus (60558) | 5.8639 | 15.6718 | 35.3 yrs |
| 2004 CJ39 | 6.72 | 19.2 | 46.7 yrs |
| Asbolus (8405) | 6.8333 | 29.1 | 76.2 yrs |
| #63252 (2001 BL41) | 6.905 | 12.638 | 30.5 yrs |
| 2000 GM137 | 6.9337 | 8.861 | 21.9 yrs |
| Elatus (31824) | 7.2663 | 16.3063 | 40.4 yrs |
| 1995 SN55 | 7.41 | 223.5 | 114 yrs |
| 2003 UA118* | 7.55 | 54.42 | 41.0 yrs |
| 1999 HD12 | 8.26 | 46.09 | 98.5 yrs |
| Chiron (2060) | 8.4568 | 18.9034 | 50.5 yrs |
| 2003 KQ20 | 8.5 | 12.8 | 34.3 yrs |
| Thereus (32532) | 8.5122 | 12.7183 | 34.6 yrs |
| Pholus (5145) | 8.7316 | 32.1297 | 92.3 yrs |
| SATURN (P) | 9.2 | 9.96 | 29.46 yrs |
| 2001 XA255 | 9.38 | 51.08 | 166 yrs |
| Aphidas | 9.67 | 26.2495 | 76.1 yrs |
| #120061 (2003 CO1) | 10.93 | 30.98 | 95.9 yrs |
| #250112 (2002 KY14) | 11.02 | 13.56 | 45.4 yrs |
| 1994 TA (Pylenor) | 11.6711 | 21.7891 | 68.4 yrs |
| Nessus (7066) | 11.8009 | 37.4072 | 121 yrs |
| #29981 (1999 TD10) (T) | 12.281 | 177.813 | 927 yrs |
| 2003 LH7 | 12.3 | 18.42 | 69.9 yrs |
| 2000 FZ53 | 12.42 | 35.3588 | 117 yrs |
| 2002 CA249 | 12.47 | 31.62 | 94.3 yrs |
| Chariklo (10199) | 13.0775 | 18.658 | 63.2 yrs |
| Bienor (54598) | 13.1525 | 19.7818 | 66.8 yrs |
| #73480 (2002 PN34) | 13.3267 | 48.4816 | 172 yrs |
| 2002 CB249 | 13.8 | 42 | 152 yrs |
| 2002 TK301 | 13.97 | 18.13 | 64.6 yrs |
| 2002 DH5 | 13.994 | 30.3575 | 104 yrs |
| Crantor (83982) | 14.0458 | 25.0133 | 86.3 yrs |
| 2003 QP112 | 14.21 | 27.88 | 97.1 yrs |
| #119315 (2001 SQ73) | 14.3616 | 20.4527 | 72.7 yrs |
| 2002 VG131 | 14.87 | 19.94 | 73.1 yrs |
| #119976 (2002 VR130) | 14.91 | 31.69 | 111 yrs |
| 2003 QN112 | 15.01 | 47.26 | 126 yrs |
| 2003 WL7 | 15.04 | 24.29 | 133 yrs |
| Amycus (55576) | 15.1935 | 35.3432 | 127 yrs |
| #87555 (2000 QB243) | 15.2196 | 54.5892 | 207 yrs |
| 2001 XZ255 | 15.4403 | 16.4903 | 63.8 yrs |
| 1999 JV127 | 15.46 | 20.97 | 68.4 yrs |
| 1996 AS20 | 15.69 | 32.11 | 214 yrs |
| 2003 UW292 | 15.86 | 20.48 | 77.1 yrs |
| 2003 UY292 | 15.9 | 27.93 | 102 yrs |
| Cyllarus (52975) | 16.2502 | 35.9635 | 133 yrs |
| Pelion (49036) | 17.2417 | 22.6758 | 89.2 yrs |
| 2003 QC112 | 17.36 | 26.76 | 104 yrs |
| #44594 (1999 OX3) | 17.5923 | 46.6602 | 182 yrs |
| 2002 QX47 | 18.05 | 18.17 | 82.3 yrs |
| #95626 (2002 GZ32) | 18.0611 | 28.3582 | 112 yrs |
| URANUS (P) | 18.64 | 19.75 | 84.01 yrs |
| 1996 RX33 | 18.67 | 33.56 | 117 yrs |
| 2000 SN331 | 18.81 | 20.48 | 87.09 yrs |
| Hylonome (10370) | 18.8844 | 31.504 | 127 yrs |
| #88269 (2001 KF77) | 19.8268 | 32.436 | 134 yrs |
| 2002 PQ152 | 20.59 | 30.63 | 130 yrs |
| #33128 (1998 BU48) | 20.6015 | 46.1508 | 193 yrs |
| 2000 CO104 | 20.6088 | 27.8605 | 119 yrs |
| 2002 FY36 | 25.66 | 32.43 | 156 yrs |
| Huya (38628) (T) | 28.5507 | 50.9701 | 251 yrs |
| PLUTO (P) | 29.73 | 49.5 | 247.7 yrs |
| NEPTUNE (P) | 29.76 | 30.3 | 164.8 yrs |
| 2003 QD112 | 29.95 | 82.44 | 82.4 yrs |
| Ixion (28978) (T) | 30.0546 | 49.1574 | 240 yrs |
| Orcus (90482) (T) | 30.7527 | 48.054 | 247 yrs |
| Rhadamanthus (38083)(T) | 33.2148 | 45.2203 | 246 yrs |
| 15874 (1996 TL66) (T) | 35.0276 | 130.69 | 753 yrs |
| ERIS (136199) (T) | 37.77 | 97.56 | 557 yrs |
| 19308 (1996 TO66) (T) | 37.9012 | 48.4033 | 284 yrs |
| Varuna (20000) (T) | 40.7719 | 45.1886 | 282 yrs |
| 15760 (1992 QB1) (T) | 40.8722 | 46.6077 | 289 yrs |
| Chaos (19521) (T) | 40.9277 | 50.331 | 308 yrs |
| Deucalion (53311) (T) | 41.5676 | 47.1761 | 296 yrs |
| Quaoar (5000) (T) | 41.99 | 45.0543 | 285.68 yrs |
| Sedna (90377) (T) | 76.0332 | 913.544 | 10,706 yrs |
The Sabian Symbols.....a system of abstract images, one for each of the 360 degrees of the zodiac.....is a powerful tool for understanding the nature of the 'coming into our awareness' of the newly discovered body. While there are other degree-symbol systems, this is the one that I find the most powerful. Originally derived by teamwork between Marc E Jones and a psychic, and further expounded upon by Dane Rudhyar, they have been given even more momentum in a book entitled "The Sabian Symbols as an Oracle" by Lynda Hill and Richard Hill. Click on the link to find out more on the book. Or, even better, jump to Lynda and Richard's website, http://www.sabiansymbols.com. Find out much more about the Sabian Symbols there. And there, you can also look up the Sabian symbol for any degree, including the interpretive text!
Here follows a list of the Centaur discovery degrees, and the symbols from the above book. When you meditate upon them, perhaps a flash of lightning will light up your consciousness.
| 2003 WL7 | Aries 13 | A bomb which failed to explode is now safely concealed |
| 1995 SN55 | Aries 15 | An Indian weaving a blanket |
| 2002 VG131 | Aries 18 | An empty hammock is hanging between two lovely trees. |
| 1994 TA | Aries 19 | A magic carpet of oriental imagry |
| Eris (136199) & #119976 (2002 VR130) & UA118 | Aries 20 | A young girl feeding swans in a park on a wintry day. |
| #119315 (2001 SQ73) | Aries 21 | A pugilist entering the ring |
| 2002 TK301 | Taurus 1 | A clear mountain stream flows through a rocky defile. |
| CHIRON & #15874 conjunct star Sharatan |
Taurus 4 | A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow |
| 2003 UW292 | Taurus 5 | A young widow, tranfigured by grief, kneels at a grave. |
Elatus (31824)  |
Taurus 6 | A bridge being built across a gorge |
| Sedna | Taurus 18 | A woman is airing a linen bag through a sunny window |
| Cyllarus (52975) conjunct star Epsilon Eridani |
Taurus 19 | A new continent rising out of the ocean |
| 2003 UY292 | Taurus 24 | Indian, human scalps hanging at his belt, rides proudly. |
| Chaos | Taurus 27 | An old Indian woman selling beads and trinkets. |
| 2000 SN331 | Gemini 1 | A glass-bottomed boat reveals undersea wonders |
| Varuna | Cancer 11 | A clown caricatures merrily all kinds of human traits |
| 2001 XZ255 | Cancer 15 | A group of people who have overeaten and enjoyed it |
| 2001 XA255 | Cancer 16 | A man studying a mandala in front of him, with the help of a very ancient book |
| #63252 (2001 BL41) | Cancer 25 | A leader of men wrapped in an invisible mantle of power |
| Aphidas | Cancer 27 | A violent storm in a canyon filled with expensive homes |
| PHOLUS | Leo 1 | Under emotional stress, blood rushes to a man's head |
| 1996 AR20 & TYPHON | Leo 5 | Rock formations tower over a deep canyon |
| 2004 CJ39 | Leo 6 | An old-fashioned 'conservative' woman is confronted by an up-to-date girl |
| CHARIKLO | Leo 7 | The constellations of stars in the sky |
| #33128 (1998 BU48) | Leo 14 | Cherub-like, a human soul whispers, seeking to manifest |
| 2002 CA249 | Leo 16 | Brilliant sunshine just after a storm |
| 1996 AR20 | Leo 20 | American Indians performa a ritual to the Sun |
| Orcus | Leo 25 | A man, alone, daringly crosses the desert on camelback |
| 2000 CO104 | Leo 27 | Daybreak � The luminescence of dawn in the eastern sky |
| 2002 DH5 | Virgo 4 | Black and white children playing happily together |
| #120061 (2003 CO1) | Virgo 5 | Irishman dreams of "little people" beneath a tree. |
| 2002 CB249 | Virgo 14 | A family tree |
| Echeclus (60558) 2002 FY36 |
Virgo 17 | A volcanic eruption |
| 2000 GM137 | Virgo 23 | A lion-tamer rushes fearlessly into the circus arena |
| 2002 GZ32 | Libra 1 | A butterfly preserved and made perfect with a dart through it |
| 1999 JV127 & Rhadomanthus | Libra 2 | A symphony is played dramatizing man's heroic ascent. |
| Hylonome | Libra 5 | A man teaching the true inner knowledge of the new world to his students |
| ASBOLUS 1999 HD12 Amycus (55576) |
Libra 8 | A blazing fireplace in a deserted home |
| Huya | Libra 19 | Robbers are hiding, ready to attack heavily armed caravan |
| Deucalion | Libra 25 | Falling golden leaf teaches life to rebellious schoolboy |
| 2000 FZ53 | Libra 27 | An airplane sails, high in the clear sky |
| 2001 KF77 | Scorpio 3 | Neighbors help in a house-raising party in a small village |
| NESSUS | Scorpio 5 | A massive, rocky shore resists the pounding of the sea |
| Crantor (83982) | Scorpio 8 | The moon shining across a lake |
Thereus (32532)  |
Scorpio 21 | Soldier ready to face charges of desertion for love's sake |
| (28978) Ixion (a TNO) | Sagittarius 6 | A cricket game is being watched by a colorful crowd |
| 2003 LH7 | Sagittarius 9 | A mother is leading her children up a broad stairway |
| 2003 KQ20 & Quaoar | Sagittarius 11 | An ever-burning lamp throws light upon an archaic idol. |
| #250112 (2002 KY14) | Sagittarius 14 | Sphinx and Pyramids stand, remains of a glorious past. |
| #44594 (1999 OX3) | Aquarius 3 | A deserter suddenly realizes the fallacy of his conduct |
| #73480 (2002 PN34) | Aquarius 4 | A Hindu pundit reveals himself suddenly a great healer. |
Pelion (#49036)   Bienor (#87555) |
Aquarius 10 | A popularity that proves to be fleeting |
| 2002 QX47 | Aquarius 23 | A big trained bear performs, sitting on a huge chair. |
| 2003 QN112 & 2003 QP112 | Pisces 2 | Squirrel, showing human acumen, hides from hunter. |
| Bienor (54598) | Pisces 4 | Heavy traffic on a narrow isthmus linking two seaside resorts |
| 2002 PQ152 | Pisces 9 | The race begins: intent on outdistancing his rivals, a jockey spurs his horse to great speed |
| 2003 QC112 | Pisces 15 | An officer in unkempt campaign uniform drills his men. |
| 1996 RX33 | Pisces 16 | In a quiet museum, an art student drinks in inspiration |
| Okyrhoe(52872) conjunct star 51 Pegasi |
Pisces 25 | The purging of the priesthood |
| 2003 QD112 | Pisces 28 | Under the full moon the fields seem strangely alive. |
NOTE: The symbols for some of the Centaurs in this chart were designed by Sandy Turnbull.
If you would like to see a chart of the outer solar system that includes Chiron, Pholus, Damocles, and many other bodies, jump to this Outer Plot Chart