198997

198997 is a minor planet in the asteroid belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered on October 13, 1994, by astronomers at the Spacewatch program at the University of Arizona. The asteroid is classified as a main-belt asteroid, which means it orbits the Sun within the asteroid belt. Its orbit is relatively stable, with a semi-major axis of approximately 2.5 astronomical units (AU) and an orbital period of about 3.9 Earth years.

The asteroid has a diameter estimated to be around 4 kilometers, based on its absolute magnitude and assumed albedo. Its spectral type is classified as X, which indicates a primitive composition, possibly including carbonaceous materials. This classification suggests that 198997 may have a low albedo and a dark surface, typical of many carbonaceous asteroids.

The discovery of 198997 contributes to our understanding of the asteroid belt and the early solar system. By studying the composition and orbits of asteroids like 198997, scientists can gain insights into the formation and evolution of the solar system. The Spacewatch program, which discovered 198997, is part of a larger effort to monitor near-Earth objects and potentially hazardous asteroids.