187173

187173 is a minor planet in the asteroid belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered on October 23, 1998, by astronomers at the Lowell Observatory Near-Earth-Object Search (LONEOS) program. The asteroid is classified as a main-belt asteroid, with a semi-major axis of approximately 2.7 astronomical units (AU). Its orbital period is about 4.5 Earth years, and it has an eccentricity of 0.14, indicating a relatively circular orbit.

The size of 187173 is estimated to be around 5 kilometers in diameter. Its spectral type is X, which suggests a primitive composition, possibly including carbonaceous materials. This classification is typical for many asteroids in the outer regions of the main belt. The asteroid's rotation period is approximately 12.4 hours, which is a common characteristic for many asteroids of its size.

187173 does not have any known moons or significant companions. Its orbit is stable and does not intersect with the orbits of any major planets. The asteroid's surface is believed to be covered in regolith, a layer of loose, fragmented material resulting from impacts and space weathering. The composition of this regolith is thought to be similar to that of carbonaceous chondrite meteorites, which are primitive materials from the early solar system.

The asteroid's discovery and subsequent observations have contributed to our understanding of the composition and dynamics of the asteroid belt. Further studies of 187173 and similar asteroids can provide insights into the early history of the solar system and the processes that shaped its formation.