17961866

17961866 is a notable astronomical object, specifically a minor planet located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered on October 10, 1999, by astronomers at the Lincoln Laboratory ETS (Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research) project, part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratory. The object is designated as 17961866 by the Minor Planet Center, which is responsible for the designation and cataloging of minor planets.

The minor planet has an estimated diameter of approximately 1.5 kilometers, based on its absolute magnitude. Its orbit is relatively stable, with a semi-major axis of about 2.7 astronomical units (AU), a period of approximately 4.4 Earth years, and an eccentricity of around 0.1. The orbital inclination is about 10 degrees, which is typical for main-belt asteroids.

17961866 does not have any known moons or significant physical features. Its spectral classification is not well-determined, but it is likely a common type of asteroid found in the asteroid belt, such as a C-type or S-type asteroid. These types are characterized by their composition, with C-types being carbonaceous and S-types being silicate-rich.

The discovery and ongoing study of 17961866 contribute to our understanding of the asteroid belt and the formation of the solar system. The Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research project, which discovered 17961866, is part of a larger effort to identify and track near-Earth objects that could potentially pose a threat to Earth.