13387

13387 refers to a notable astronomical object designated as **13387 Tenzing**, named after Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa mountaineer who, alongside Edmund Hillary, was the first to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. This minor planet was discovered on October 14, 1998, by astronomers at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, United States. It belongs to the main asteroid belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

The asteroid has an estimated diameter of approximately 5 kilometers and orbits the Sun once every 4.6 years. Its name honors Tenzing Norgay’s contributions to exploration and mountaineering, reflecting the broader appreciation of his achievements in the field. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially recognized the naming in 2000, assigning the designation 13387 to the object.

13387 Tenzing is classified as a stony (S-type) asteroid, meaning it is likely composed of silicate materials. While it is not particularly well-studied due to its relatively small size and distance, its orbit remains stable within the asteroid belt, posing no threat to Earth. Observations of such objects help scientists better understand the composition and dynamics of the early solar system.

The naming of asteroids often serves as a tribute to individuals who have made significant contributions to science, culture, or exploration. In this case, 13387 Tenzing stands as a small but symbolic reminder of human achievement in the face of extreme challenges.