22421

22421 is a minor planet in the asteroid belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It was discovered on September 24, 1996, by the Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research (LINEAR) project, a collaborative effort between the United States Air Force, NASA, and MIT. The asteroid is part of the Flora family, a large group of asteroids that share similar orbital characteristics and spectral properties, indicating a common origin.

22421 has an estimated diameter of approximately 4.5 kilometers. Its orbit is relatively stable, with a semi-major axis of about 2.2 astronomical units (AU) and an eccentricity of 0.13. The asteroid completes one orbit around the Sun every 3.3 years. Its orbital inclination is about 5.5 degrees, which is typical for asteroids in the inner main belt.

The spectral classification of 22421 is S-type, which means it has a stony composition. This classification is based on its reflectance spectrum, which shows a high albedo and a featureless slope, characteristic of silicate-rich asteroids. The surface of 22421 is likely composed of silicate minerals, such as olivine and pyroxene, which are common in the inner solar system.

22421 does not pose any significant threat to Earth, as its orbit does not bring it close to our planet. However, it is still an important object of study for astronomers, as it provides insights into the early solar system and the processes that shaped the asteroid belt. Further observations and analysis of 22421 will continue to contribute to our understanding of these ancient celestial bodies.