198253

198253 is a number that primarily appears in the context of astronomy and space exploration, specifically as the designation for an asteroid in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Discovered on October 27, 2001, by astronomers at the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) program, this asteroid is part of a larger catalog of celestial objects monitored for their orbits and potential Earth-approaching trajectories.

The asteroid has an estimated diameter of roughly 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles) and orbits the Sun with a period of approximately 4.8 years. Its orbit is relatively stable, placing it firmly within the main asteroid belt and not classified as a near-Earth object (NEO). The LINEAR program, which identified 198253, is a collaborative effort between NASA and the U.S. Air Force to detect and track asteroids and comets that could pose a threat to Earth.

While 198253 itself does not pose any known risk of collision with Earth, its discovery highlights the importance of ongoing astronomical surveys in monitoring space objects. The asteroid’s designation follows the naming conventions of the Minor Planet Center, which assigns provisional designations based on the date of discovery and the order in which objects are observed. Over time, asteroids may receive permanent names, but 198253 remains identified by its numerical designation as of now.

Research into asteroids like 198253 contributes to broader understanding of the solar system’s formation, the distribution of rocky bodies, and the potential resources available in space. Such studies also aid in refining models of orbital mechanics and improving early warning systems for future asteroid threats.