14929

14929 is an asteroid located in the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered on October 19, 1996, by astronomers using the Spacewatch program at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, United States. The asteroid is named after the year 1492, which holds significant historical importance as the year Christopher Columbus reached the Americas, marking a pivotal moment in global exploration and cultural exchange.

The asteroid 14929 has an estimated diameter of approximately 3.3 kilometers (2.1 miles) and follows an elliptical orbit around the Sun. Its orbital period is roughly 4.6 years, and it is classified as a member of the Flora family, a group of stony asteroids that make up a significant portion of the main belt. The Flora family is believed to have originated from the collisional breakup of a larger parent body.

14929 is not known to pose any significant threat to Earth, as its orbit does not bring it particularly close to our planet. It is primarily studied for its role in understanding the composition and dynamics of the asteroid belt. Observations suggest that 14929 is likely composed of silicate materials, consistent with other stony asteroids in the Flora family.

While not a well-studied object compared to some other near-Earth asteroids, 14929 contributes to broader astronomical research on the formation and evolution of the solar system. Its designation reflects the historical significance of the year it commemorates, linking celestial exploration with human history.