60 Echo
Encyclopedia
60 Echo is a quite large main-belt S-type asteroid
. It was discovered by James Ferguson
of the United States Naval Observatory
in Washington D.C., on September 14, 1860. It was his third and final asteroid discovery. It is named after Echo
, a nymph
in Greek mythology
.
S-type asteroid
S-type asteroids are of a stony composition, hence the name. Approximately 17% of asteroids are of this type, making it the second most common after the C-type.-Characteristics:...
. It was discovered by James Ferguson
James Ferguson (astronomer)
James Ferguson was an American astronomer and engineer born in Scotland who made the first discovery of an asteroid from North America . Starting in 1847, he worked at the U.S...
of the United States Naval Observatory
United States Naval Observatory
The United States Naval Observatory is one of the oldest scientific agencies in the United States, with a primary mission to produce Positioning, Navigation, and Timing for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Department of Defense...
in Washington D.C., on September 14, 1860. It was his third and final asteroid discovery. It is named after Echo
Echo (mythology)
In Greek mythology, Ekho , "echo", itself from ἦχος , "sound") was an Oread who loved her own voice. Zeus loved consorting with beautiful nymphs and visited them on Earth often. Eventually, Zeus's wife, Hera, became suspicious, and came from Mt...
, a nymph
Nymph
A nymph in Greek mythology is a female minor nature deity typically associated with a particular location or landform. Different from gods, nymphs are generally regarded as divine spirits who animate nature, and are usually depicted as beautiful, young nubile maidens who love to dance and sing;...
in Greek mythology
Greek mythology
Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They were a part of religion in ancient Greece...
.