22461

22461 is an asteroid designated with the provisional name 1997 WT2. It is a stony asteroid located in the inner region of the asteroid belt. Discovered on November 24, 1997, by the Near Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT) program, its orbit is characterized by a semi-major axis of approximately 2.3 AU. Its orbital eccentricity is around 0.12, and it has an inclination of roughly 7 degrees relative to the ecliptic plane. These orbital parameters place it among the population of main-belt asteroids.

Based on its spectral characteristics, 22461 is classified as a V-type asteroid. This classification suggests a composition rich in pyroxene, and it is likely a fragment of the asteroid 4 Vesta. Vesta is known for its differentiated interior and its role as the source of the HED meteorites found on Earth. Objects like 22461 are believed to have been ejected from Vesta's surface due to impacts. Further observations and studies are ongoing to refine our understanding of its physical properties and its relationship to other objects in the solar system.