[1] It was discovered on 6 March 1973 by American astronomer Charles Kowal at Palomar Observatory in San Diego County, California.

[12] The last notable close approach was on 21 March 2018 passing 0.08957 AU (13,399,000 km; 8,326,000 mi) from Earth[12] and shining at an apparent magnitude of +12.4.

[13] The next notable close approach will be on 14 September 2032 passing slightly closer at 0.08635 AU (12,918,000 km; 8,027,000 mi) from Earth.

[14] This minor planet was named after the figure from Greek mythology, Midas, the King of Phrygia, who turned whatever he touched to gold.

He received this ability as an award, but soon realized that this gift was a curse when his daughter turned into a statue after he had touched her.