161975

161975 is an asteroid that was discovered on October 16, 1990, by astronomers Eleanor Helin and Kenneth Lawrence at the Palomar Observatory in California. It is classified as a main-belt asteroid, meaning it orbits the Sun within the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The asteroid is approximately 3.5 kilometers in diameter and has a rotation period of about 5.5 hours.

161975 is named after the astronomer Carl Sagan, who was known for his contributions to the fields of astronomy, astrobiology, and the popularization of science. The naming citation was published by the Minor Planet Center on October 1, 2003 (M.P.C. 50047).

The asteroid's orbit is relatively stable, with an eccentricity of 0.12 and an inclination of 10.5 degrees relative to the ecliptic. Its semi-major axis is approximately 2.7 astronomical units (AU), which places it within the inner region of the asteroid belt.

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, there are no significant findings or missions related to 161975. However, it remains an interesting object of study for astronomers interested in the composition and dynamics of main-belt asteroids.