Nihondaira Observatory
Astronomical observatory in Shimizu, Japan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nihondaira Observatory (also known as Oohira Station, observatory code: 385) is an astronomical observatory that is located on a hill overlooking Shimizu, Japan.[1] It has been the source for numerous discoveries of minor planet by astronomer Takeshi Urata.[1]
| Observatory code | 385  |
|---|---|
| Location | Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Japan. |
| Coordinates | 34°58′13″N 138°28′05″E |
| Established | 1967 |
 | |
In 2007, the observatory was ranked 43rd in the number of asteroids discovered, with a total of 163, but has since lost its ranking, as the top 50 discovery sites have all discovered more than 400 bodies as of 2016.[2] The International Astronomical Union's code for the observatory is 385.[3] The asteroid 2880 Nihondaira, discovered by astronomer Tsutomu Seki, is named for this observatory.[1] It is often called by its location, Shizuoka.