^«IAU Minor Planet Center». IAU. Besøkt 30. juli 2011. «The Minor Planet Center (MPC) operates at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), under the auspices of Division III of the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The MPC is responsible for the designation of minor bodies in the solar system: minor planets; comets, in conjunction with the Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams (CBAT); and natural satellites (also in conjunction with CBAT). The MPC is also responsible for the collection, computation, checking and dissemination of astrometric observations and orbits for minor planets, comets, and natural satellites. The MPC derives its current operating budget from a NASA grant. Computer equipment used by the MPC is provided with support from the Tamkin Foundation.»
