17493

17493 is a numerical designation that may refer to various entities depending on the context, but it is most commonly associated with an asteroid in the asteroid belt. The asteroid 17493 is a minor planet discovered as part of ongoing astronomical surveys. It was officially identified and registered in the Minor Planet Center and is part of the catalog of numbered asteroids.

The asteroid 17493 was discovered on August 15, 1987, by astronomers at the Palomar Observatory, California. Its orbit lies between Mars and Jupiter within the main asteroid belt. Details about its physical characteristics, such as its size, shape, and composition, are generally inferred from spectral analysis and observational data. It is classified as a stony S-type asteroid, which indicates a silicate-rich mineral composition.

Based on orbital calculations, 17493 has a semi-major axis of approximately 2.3 astronomical units (AU), with an orbital period of roughly 3.5 years. Its eccentricity and inclination suggest a relatively stable orbit within the main belt, and ongoing studies aim to understand more about its origin, composition, and potential as part of planetary defense assessments.

There is limited publicly available detailed information about 17493, as it is not considered a near-Earth object or a particularly large celestial body compared to major planets or sizable asteroids. Like many minor planets, it contributes to our understanding of the early solar system and planetary formation processes.

In summary, 17493 is a numbered asteroid cataloged within the asteroid belt, studied mainly through astronomical observation to improve knowledge of small Solar System bodies.