18170

18170 is the numeric designation assigned to a specific asteroid in the field of astronomy. It is cataloged within the Minor Planet Center's database, which tracks small celestial bodies orbiting the Sun. The asteroid 18170 was discovered on September 26, 1981, by astronomers Schelte J. Bus and Gene M. Sykes at the Siding Spring Observatory in Australia.

This object belongs to the main asteroid belt, a region situated between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter where most asteroids are found. Its orbit has an average distance from the Sun of approximately 2.5 astronomical units (AU), with an orbital period of around 4.5 years. The asteroid's orbit varies slightly over time due to gravitational influences from planets and other celestial bodies.

18170 is characterized by a diameter estimated to be around 5 to 7 kilometers, with a presumed S-type (stony) composition, though precise spectral data may vary. Its rotation period and shape remain subjects of ongoing observation and study. Like many asteroids, it is considered a potential target for future study due to its accessibility and composition, which may offer insights into the early solar system's formation.

The asteroid's designation number, 18170, is unique within the minor planet catalog and helps distinguish it from thousands of other small bodies orbiting the Sun. Its designation follows the convention established by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), which assigns a sequential number once the object's orbit is well determined.

There is limited publicly available information on 18170 beyond its discovery and basic orbital characteristics, and it is primarily of interest within the scientific community engaged in planetary defense, asteroid research, and solar system studies.