 It was believed to measure 2.5 kilometers in diameter (now rather 1.5 km, since the primary's size estimate has been reduced from 8 to 4.5 kilometers) and to orbit Pauling at a distance of 250 kilometers once every 1200 hours.This minor planet is named in honor of American chemist, biochemist, peace activist, author, educator, and multiple Nobel Laureate, Linus Pauling (1901–1994).The naming took place on the occasion of his 90th birthday.