 Chiron was discovered in 1977 and was soon recognized as a type of "planet" not previously categorized. The discovery of Chiron by Charles Kowal occurred according to Zane Stein on 11/1/1977 around ten in the morning giving a zodiac position of about 3 Tau 08. Note that this is when it was discovered by Kowal, but the photograph was taken on 10/18/1977. Chiron was originally thought to be an asteroid due to its size, but it is now known to be a comet. Due to the confusion it has two designations. It is both a minor planet B-type asteroid (number 2060), and it is a short term comet (number 95P). Astronomical evidence suggests it has not been in its present orbit for long, in celestial terms. It is presumed that eventually it will have a close encounter with either Saturn or Uranus, and be thrown clear of our system by the 'slingshot effect'. Therefore it is known as a stranger or visitor. According to NASA, Chiron's composition and orbit indicate that it has moved from its original location in a colder area of space, possibly the Kuiper Belt (which is also a possible origin of Pluto). At perihelion, Chiron is closer to the Sun than Saturn and at aphelion it nears the orbit of Uranus, yet it is always very bright.
Soon after the discovery of Chiron similar planetary bodies were discovered (now totaling 41) and they were subsequently named "Centaurs". Chiron is the only centaur so far that is known to also be a comet. Essentially, centaurs are smallish bodies with highly eccentric orbits falling between Jupiter and Neptune, but whose orbit crosses over one or more of the outer planet orbits (Saturn, Uranus or Neptune). Most of them are highly eccentric and unique in composition or nature. Astrologically, we are still trying to determine the meaning represented by the various centaur bodies, but Chiron's nature is thought to be pretty well understood: Chiron is mildly malefic, it shows where deep-seeded pain is located in our lives & what we must work to undo it, in the process learning about ourselves & the things associated with whatever house & sign your Chiron is located in, thereby achieving a breakthrough on both the levels of Saturn & Uranus. It's sign rulership is heavily disputed, if at all there is one; the main assignments are Virgo because there are some similarities between their natures, & Sagittarius, but only because mythological Chiron was a Centaur. Another possible candidate might be Taurus, but of course, the possibility remains that it rules no sign at all....please see the full article.
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