Leonid Elenin
Russian amateur astronomer and discoverer of five comets.
NASA/STEREO · Public domain
Leonid Vladimirovich Elenin is a Russian amateur astronomer who works with the ISON-NM observatory (H15) via the International Scientific Optical Network (ISON), the first Russian remote observatory in the West. He is best known for discovering the comet C/2010 X1 on 10 December 2010, and as of 2019 had discovered five comets.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 1981-08-10
- Birth Place
- Moscow, Soviet Union
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Leonid Elenin began his asteroid discoveries on 1 December 2008 with 2008 XE at the Tzec observatory (H10). He later discovered the first Amor near-Earth object 2010 RN80 on 10 September 2010 at ISON-NM (H15). His most famous discovery, comet C/2010 X1, came on 10 December 2010, followed by comet P/2011 NO1 on 7 July 2011. By 2019 he had discovered five comets total.
Elenin also discovered the trailing L5 Jupiter trojan 2011 QJ9 on 23 August 2011, the Mars-crossing asteroid 2011 QD23 on 25 August 2011, and the Amor near-Earth object 2011 QY37 on 27 August 2011. The first numbered asteroid he discovered at ISON-NM is 365756 ISON (2010 WZ71). He works for the Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics and lives in Lyubertsy, Moscow region, Russia.
Reader's Guide
Leonid Elenin's significance lies in his contributions as an amateur astronomer using remote observatory technology. His work with the ISON-NM observatory, the first Russian remote observatory in the West, demonstrates the growing role of international collaboration in minor planet and comet discovery. The Minor Planet Center recognized his achievements with the 2012 Edgar Wilson Award, granted on 29 January 2013, specifically for the discovery of comets by amateurs. His discoveries span comets, near-Earth objects, a Jupiter trojan, and a Mars-crossing asteroid, highlighting the breadth of survey work possible for dedicated amateurs. The naming of asteroid 365756 ISON after the observatory network underscores the institutional legacy of his work.
Did You Know?
- Leonid Elenin discovered his first comet, C/2010 X1, on 10 December 2010.
- Elenin was awarded the 2012 Edgar Wilson Award on 29 January 2013.
- As of 2019, he had discovered five comets.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Leonid Elenin?
Leonid Vladimirovich Elenin is a Russian amateur astronomer born on 10 August 1981 who resides in Lyubertsy, in the Moscow region. He is affiliated with the Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics and carries out his observing work through the ISON-NM remote station.
What is Leonid Elenin best known for?
He is most widely recognized for identifying the comet C/2010 X1 on 10 December 2010, which marked his first confirmed comet discovery. By 2019 his tally of discovered comets had grown to five.
What observatory does Leonid Elenin use for his observations?
Elenin works through the ISON-NM station, designated H15, which is a node of the International Scientific Optical Network. That station holds the distinction of being the first Russian remote observatory situated in the Western hemisphere.
How many comets has Leonid Elenin discovered?
As of 2019, Elenin had been credited with discovering five comets, beginning with C/2010 X1 in December 2010. All of these discoveries were made in his capacity as an amateur astronomer rather than through a professional research program.
Why is Leonid Elenin significant in the amateur astronomy community?
His track record of five comet discoveries shows that a dedicated individual operating a single remote-network station can compete with much larger professional surveys. For fans of the field, he stands out as a productive example of what sustained amateur observing can achieve.
More in Amateur Astronomy, Part 2 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced