20685

20685 is a minor planet in the outer region of the asteroid belt, orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered on October 16, 1999, by the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) project, a collaborative effort between the United States Air Force, NASA, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The asteroid is designated as 20685 and has a provisional designation of 1999 UH10. It is classified as a main-belt asteroid, which means it orbits within the asteroid belt without being influenced by the gravitational forces of Jupiter.

The orbit of 20685 is relatively stable, with a semi-major axis of approximately 2.7 astronomical units (AU), a perihelion distance of about 2.4 AU, and an aphelion distance of around 3.0 AU. Its orbital period is roughly 4.5 Earth years. The asteroid has a diameter estimated to be between 3 and 7 kilometers, based on its absolute magnitude and assumed albedo. The rotational period of 20685 is not well-determined, but it is believed to be in the range of 2 to 12 hours.

20685 does not have any known moons or significant companions. Its spectral classification is not well-defined, but it is likely to be a C-type asteroid, which are carbonaceous and typically found in the outer regions of the asteroid belt. The asteroid's surface composition is thought to be rich in carbonaceous materials, which are common in the outer asteroid belt.

The discovery and study of 20685 contribute to our understanding of the asteroid belt and the formation of the solar system. By analyzing the physical and orbital properties of minor planets like 20685, astronomers can gain insights into the early history and dynamics of the solar system.