217599998

217599998 is a notable astronomical object located in the outer reaches of the Solar System. It was discovered on October 14, 2018, by astronomers using the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii. The object is classified as a trans-Neptunian object (TNO), which means it orbits the Sun beyond the planet Neptune. 217599998 is part of the Kuiper Belt, a region of the Solar System that extends from the orbit of Neptune at 30 astronomical units (AU) to approximately 50 AU from the Sun.

The object has an estimated diameter of about 200 kilometers, making it one of the larger known TNOs. Its orbit is relatively stable, with an orbital period of approximately 300 Earth years. The surface of 217599998 is believed to be composed of a mixture of ices and rocks, typical of many TNOs. The object's discovery has provided valuable insights into the composition and dynamics of the outer Solar System.

217599998 is named after the year of its discovery, 2018. The naming convention for such objects often includes the year of discovery to avoid confusion with other celestial bodies. The object's official designation in the Minor Planet Center database is 2018 VG18. Ongoing observations and studies continue to refine our understanding of 217599998 and its place within the broader context of the Solar System.